Head Chef - Cotino, A Storyliving by Disney Community

Indio, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $110,000.00 - $147,500.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

educational assistance

wellness programs

Job Description

Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, is a unique residential experience that blends the magic and storytelling of Disney with an extraordinary lifestyle in the Palm Desert, California area. This pioneering community offers residents a rich, immersive environment filled with art, culture, and culinary excellence tailored to create an elevated daily living experience. Cotino's Artisan Club serves as the heart of this community, providing upscale dining, casual eateries, beach bars, and exclusive event venues to deliver a world-class hospitality environment. As part of the Storyliving by Disney brand, Cotino is committed to exceptional customer service, innovative living, and enriching experiences that resonate with Disney's renowned reputation for quality and creativity. The community places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, wellness, and culinary innovation that respects environmental responsibility and guest satisfaction.

The role of Head Chef at the Artisan Club in Cotino is a pivotal leadership position that shapes the culinary direction and guest experience within this prestigious private club. Reporting to the General Manager, the Head Chef is responsible for leading kitchen operations and setting the standard for food quality, creativity, and service delivery. This role demands a strategic thinker and inspirational leader who excels in developing innovative menus that align with seasonal products, dietary trends, and the high expectations of Club Members. With a focus on both upscale dining and casual offerings, the Head Chef ensures that every dish served meets the highest standard of excellence, creativity, and consistency.

Beyond the culinary artistry, the Head Chef manages operational elements such as sustainability initiatives to minimize kitchen waste, cost of sales, inventory control, and adherence to health and safety regulations. Leading a talented culinary team, the Head Chef cultivates a culture of accountability, innovation, and guest-centric service, while mentoring and developing staff to perform at their best. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with other departments to create memorable culinary experiences for events and daily dining services, showcasing a blend of flavors and techniques that elevate the club's offerings.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 to $147,500 per year, reflecting the importance and seniority of the role within the community. Additional benefits include potential bonuses, long-term incentive units, comprehensive health coverage, and unique Disney perks aimed at enhancing work-life balance and professional growth. The ideal candidate will bring at least eight years of culinary management experience in upscale or fine dining clubs, with a minimum of five years as a Head Chef or equivalent, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic planning, creativity, and operational expertise. Experience with inventory management, scheduling, and kitchen team development is essential, along with proficiency in culinary technologies and point-of-sale systems.

Joining Cotino offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking project that redefines luxury living and culinary excellence through the lens of Disney storytelling. The Head Chef will play a crucial role in shaping the culinary culture, influencing dining trends, and delivering unforgettable experiences for members and guests. This role not only promises professional growth in a dynamic environment but also a chance to contribute to a visionary community where culinary innovation meets world-class hospitality.

Job Requirements

Degree in culinary arts food sciences or related field
Minimum eight years of culinary management experience in a club upscale or fine dining environment
Minimum five years in a head chef or equivalent position
Ability to inspire creativity and innovation that adapts to our business
Skilled in strategic planning and culinary management
Proficient in managing inventory and scheduling
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Demonstrated computer proficiency and comfort working in various operational systems including point of sale and inventory management

Job Qualifications

Minimum eight years of culinary management experience in a club upscale or fine dining environment
Minimum five years in a head chef or equivalent position
Ability to inspire creativity and innovation that adapts to our business
Skilled in strategic planning and culinary management
Proficient in managing inventory and scheduling
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
Innovative and creative mindset
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong collaboration and communication skills
Demonstrated computer proficiency and comfort working in various operational systems including point of sale and inventory management
Proven drive and understanding of the disney culture opportunities and strategies to achieve best-in-class results
Knowledge of industry trends and practical business applications that contribute to greater results while utilizing fewer tools
Demonstrated knowledge of wines pairings and spirits sommelier certification
Experience in developing annual operating plans controlling labor expense and foods costs
Strong focus on research and development that leverages trends technology and creative thinking
Ability to speak and present to large groups of people including company executives

Job Duties

Lead a team of culinary professionals providing leadership support and development
Adapt to departmental priorities manage performance and guide your team to meet quality volume and timeliness objectives
Oversee and work alongside food handlers daily including shift coverage on banquet hot and cold lines as well as prep and cleaning
Lead training of line-level staff and stewards
Create new and higher quality service and product standards
Innovate food combinations textures and flavors to create new flavor experiences
Educate culinary cast members on seasonal products culinary styles and techniques
Inspire and educate cast members and guests on fads trends lifestyles and special dietary needs with consideration of product equipment and cost
Understand support and teach the role in the show cuisine concept
Inspire provide direction and drive effectiveness of the leadership team
Develop direct reports as individuals and as a team by providing a work environment within which they excel
Hold direct reports accountable for job performance including adherence to safety and culinary standards
Ensure that products are properly ordered received and stored
Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and facilities
Identify mediate or negotiate effective resolution to conflict
Ensure operational compliance food and beverage standards loss prevention standards state of california and food safety standards