Executive Chef (Manager, Food Operations)

Little Rock, AR, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

retirement savings plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Discounts

Job Description

Disney Cruise Line, a division of The Walt Disney Company, is renowned globally for bringing the unparalleled magic of Disney to life on the high seas. As an industry leader in entertainment venues and theaters, Disney Cruise Line offers exceptional guest experiences marked by innovation, quality, and a commitment to excellence. The company prides itself on creating cherished memories for families and guests through immersive environments, superb customer service, and a dedicated team culture that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. Employing over 10,000 professionals worldwide, Disney Cruise Line operates a fleet of luxury cruise ships where entertainment, dining, and hospitality blend seamlessly to deliver magical moments to guests of all ages.

The role of Galley Manager aboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel is a prestigious position aimed at professionals with deep expertise in high-volume food and beverage operations, particularly those with shipboard experience. This shipboard role involves managing all galley staff and overseeing the day-to-day operation of all galleys and food outlets onboard. The Galley Manager is responsible for coordinating all food offerings, including group meals and special requests, ensuring the highest standards of culinary preparation and strict adherence to special dietary requirements for both guests and crew. Maintaining and monitoring culinary standards, inventory management, and cost control are critical to the success of this role.

This position demands a seasoned professional capable of conducting food and menu audits, overseeing compliance with Disney Cruise Line and United States Public Health sanitation requirements, and managing hazardous materials safely and effectively. The Galley Manager also plays an essential leadership role, providing mentorship and performance management to staff, facilitating training and development, and fostering a workplace culture that supports Disney’s core values. Facilities and equipment upkeep, inventory controls, and waste management are integral components, alongside the responsibility for administrative tasks like contract renewals, succession planning, and ongoing crew communication.

Applicants for this role must have a Certified Executive Chef qualification or equivalent degree in Culinary Arts, a minimum of five years of experience in a high-volume galley or food and beverage operation, and proven shipboard experience. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and technical skills are required, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office tools. The role necessitates living and working aboard the vessel for extended contracts, adhering to appearance guidelines, and embracing a demanding yet rewarding schedule, often spanning 70-84 hours per week.

This opportunity offers a unique chance to grow professionally and personally in a dynamic, inclusive, and multicultural environment. Disney Cruise Line encourages applicants who are passionate about delivering magical guest experiences and are committed to upholding safety and sanitation standards while fostering a high-performance team environment.

Job Requirements

Minimum five years experience in high volume galley or food and beverage operation
Certified Executive Chef or equivalent degree in Culinary Arts
Shipboard experience required
Excellent working knowledge of food and beverage products, services, and equipment
Demonstrated ability to calculate cost potentials and projections
Technical and functional understanding of ship-based food and beverage operations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook
Be at least 21 years of age
Be able to speak, read, and write fluent English
Willingness to live and work onboard one of our vessels for contract length
Be able to work a seven-day, 70-84 hour week with limited time off
Be able to adhere to Disney Cruise Line appearance guidelines
Agree to share a cabin with other crew members
Enjoy working in a high-volume, fast-paced, guest-service-oriented environment
Be flexible with your work schedule, job duties, and work locations
Appreciate diversity among guests and crew.

Job Qualifications

Minimum five years experience in high volume galley or food and beverage operation
Certified Executive Chef or equivalent degree in Culinary Arts
Shipboard experience required
Excellent working knowledge of food and beverage products, services, and equipment
Demonstrated ability to calculate cost potentials and projections
Technical and functional understanding of ship-based food and beverage operations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook
Be at least 21 years of age
Fluent in English
Willingness to live and work onboard for contract length
Ability to work 70-84 hour weeks
Willingness to adhere to Disney appearance guidelines
Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, guest-service-oriented environment
Flexibility with schedules, duties, and locations
Appreciation for diversity among guests and crew
College education or equivalent industry experience preferred
Additional ship experience preferred.

Job Duties

Manage all galley staff and oversee operation of all galleys and food outlets
Coordinate all food offerings, including group offerings and special requests
Oversee proper preparation of special dietary meals and food allergies for guests and crew
Monitor all culinary standards, inventory, and cost control
Complete random food and menu audits
Maintain close relationship with shoreside food and beverage management team
Ensure Disney Cruise Line and USPH sanitation requirements are met in all galleys and food store rooms
Set departmental goals
Maintain operating guidelines and on-the-job training material and revise as necessary
Ensure facilities and equipment are maintained and in good working order
Oversee inventory control (par levels, turnover, and replenishment)
Monitor and implement garbage separation and disposal procedures
Monitor handling, maintenance, and reordering of operating equipment
Ensure hazardous materials are used and stored properly, including inventory and availability of MSDS
Facilitate department meetings
Provide leadership for all direct reports including managing personnel files, reviewing and approving renewal contracts, conducting performance reviews and discipline, ensuring Project Onboard compliance, monitoring STAR and making corrections, onboard training, succession planning, crew recognition and communication
Participate in Castaway Cay job responsibilities as directed by DCL leadership
Execute additional job responsibilities as assigned by DCL leadership
Comply with all company policies, maritime and ship rules, and regulations
Participate in emergency duties as specified in the ship assembly plan.