Executive Chef

The Sanctuary Beach Resort is a premier oceanfront resort located in Marina, California, set across 19 picturesque acres of pristine Pacific shoreline. This exclusive Monterey Bay resort is renowned for its 60 contemporary cottage guest rooms and suites, each offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean from private decks or patios. Nestled between the vibrant Monterey Bay and the protected Marina Dunes Preserve, The Sanctuary provides guests with a serene and secluded getaway. Its unique location appeals to both coastal road-trippers seeking a scenic adventure and single-destination vacationers desiring a luxurious retreat. The resort also boasts top-tier meeting and event spaces, making it an ideal venue for business retreats, weddings, and celebrations alike. As part of the Echelon Luxury & Lifestyle division of HHM Hotels, The Sanctuary Beach Resort maintains a commitment to excellence, guest satisfaction, and sustainable hospitality practices.

Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette, the resort's acclaimed dining venue, is currently seeking an Executive Chef to lead its culinary operations and contribute to the property-wide growth of the food and beverage program. This full-time Executive Chef position represents an exciting opportunity to influence and direct a high-potential culinary program within a coastal, luxury hotel setting. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing seasonal menus that emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients highlighting the best of the Central Coast's coastal bounty. Their influence will extend beyond menu creation to fostering strong team development and collaboration across the hotel's culinary and service staff. The role requires a hands-on leader passionate about culinary arts and operational excellence who can navigate the demands of a high-end, independent restaurant environment while aligning with the broader hotel standards and guest expectations.

The Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen functions including hiring, training, scheduling, and coaching kitchen associates to ensure that all food preparation and presentation meets established brand and hotel standards. They must be adept at inventory management, food cost control, quality assurance, and compliance with safety and sanitation regulations. This role also involves a strong customer focus; the chef will regularly seek guest and service team feedback to enhance dining experiences and maintain the highest standards of guest satisfaction. Collaboration with the catering department and executive steward is essential to ensure operational efficiency and support for hotel events and functions. The Executive Chef will also be responsible for adhering to sustainability guidelines under HHM’s EarthView program, promoting eco-friendly and responsible food practices.

Ideal candidates bring a degree or certificate in Culinary Arts combined with at least one to two years of experience serving as an Executive Chef or in a similarly high-level culinary leadership role. They will demonstrate expertise in food product quality, presentation, menu concept development, and staff leadership, particularly within independent restaurant or hotel kitchen environments. The position offers a clear growth trajectory within HHM Hotels, with the potential to advance to Director of Food & Beverage and Regional Director of Food & Beverage roles. The company prides itself on a culture founded on values including People Are Our Capability, Hearts That Serve, Only Excellence, Stay Nimble, and Own It. The Sanctuary Beach Resort and HHM Hotels provide a dynamic, supportive workplace with numerous benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401k company match, and professional development programs. Working conditions require flexibility, including holiday and weekend schedules, and the physical demands typical for kitchen leadership roles such as standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 pounds.