Executive Chef, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Delaware North Parks and Resorts is a renowned global hospitality and food service company with over 100 years of history, known for managing a diverse portfolio of iconic destinations including sports arenas, national parks, hotels, casinos, and more. One of its premier properties, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, located just outside the south entrance to Yosemite National Park in Fish Camp, California, offers a unique combination of rustic charm and modern amenities, providing guests with a memorable experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Tenaya Lodge is a 4-diamond rated resort that prides itself on delivering exceptional guest service, leveraging both its stunning environment and culinary excellence to create lasting impressions.

As an Executive Chef at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing all culinary operations within this dynamic resort setting. This full-time leadership role offers a competitive salary range of $127,000 to $159,900 annually, complemented by an annual bonus based on both individual and company performance, plus a role-based uncapped sales incentive. The position includes relocation assistance and temporary housing assistance to facilitate your transition.

You will lead a talented team of culinary professionals, guiding them to maintain the highest standards of food quality, service, and kitchen hygiene. This position requires innovative recipe development, meticulous inventory and cost control, and strategic hiring and training to align with the resort’s elevated standards. You will ensure that all kitchen operations run seamlessly, even in your absence, by establishing effective processes and training staff accordingly.

Developing and maintaining standardized recipes and portion controls, as well as a commitment to health and safety compliance, is central to your role. Your leadership will ensure every dish reflects the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence, enhancing guests’ dining experiences. Moreover, you will collaborate with management on budgeting and purchasing decisions, consistently aiming to optimize operational efficiency while upholding exceptional quality.

The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of three years’ experience as an Executive Chef in a high-volume, industry-leading environment, backed by at least ten years of culinary expertise in established restaurants or catering companies. Culinary Arts certification or degree is preferred, alongside ServSafe and Food Safety Handler certifications.

Your ability to manage financial aspects, such as profit and loss analysis, labor and food cost management, and schedule preparation, is essential. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and point of sale systems is required. Beyond technical skills, you must be a motivating leader capable of fostering a positive work culture and adapting swiftly to changing business needs, all while maintaining outstanding product and service standards.

The position demands flexibility in scheduling, including availability for days, evenings, holidays, weekends, and events. The successful candidate will demonstrate hands-on leadership, a passion for creating exciting and accessible new dishes suitable for the venue, and an unwavering dedication to continuous personal and team development.

Joining Delaware North and Tenaya Lodge means becoming part of a global legacy that values people as its greatest asset. It is an opportunity to grow your culinary career within a respected and established hospitality company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and more. Embrace the chance to work in one of California's most iconic destinations while delivering memorable culinary experiences for guests from around the world.