Lead Culinary Executive for Remy/Enchante

Columbia, SC, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Life insurance

Professional Development

Job Description

Disney Cruise Line is a renowned provider of luxury cruise experiences that uniquely blend the magic of Disney with exceptional service and world-class amenities. As part of The Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line is dedicated to creating unforgettable vacations for families and guests of all ages. With a fleet of elegant ships sailing to some of the most breathtaking destinations worldwide, Disney Cruise Line focuses on providing immersive entertainment, fine dining, and innovative activities to ensure a memorable journey for every guest. The company’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and professionalism fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment for its employees, promoting both personal and professional growth.

The Lead Culinary Executive for Remy/Enchante represents a prestigious position within Disney Cruise Line dedicated to overseeing the culinary operations of Remy, an exclusive fine dining restaurant onboard. This shipboard role requires the individual to manage all aspects of food preparation, kitchen management, and menu planning to guarantee unparalleled dining experiences for guests. Reporting directly to the Hotel Director, the Lead Culinary Executive inspires and leads the culinary team to uphold Disney’s high standards of quality, safety, and guest satisfaction. This role emphasizes creativity in culinary execution, cost control, inventory management, staff training, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The position demands excellence in Western and European fine dining, requiring an extensive background in Michelin star-level establishments or equivalent fine dining operations.

More specifically, the Lead Culinary Executive will contribute creatively by developing innovative seasonal menus and new flavor experiences while ensuring consistent quality through daily tastings and rigorous quality control. The role involves a commitment to food safety standards such as USPH and HACCP, supervision of kitchen maintenance, and engagement with guests to enhance their overall dining experience. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of fine dining leadership, complemented by culinary training and excellent communication skills, as well as proficiency in budgeting and cost management. Preference is given to candidates with culinary certifications or degrees and recognition in national or international culinary media.

As a shipboard role, candidates must be enthusiastic about living and working aboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel, adapting to a multicultural environment with strict safety and regulatory requirements. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to work in a unique setting that combines hospitality excellence with the spirit of Disney magic, contributing directly to creating extraordinary memories for guests around the world.

Job Requirements

Have a genuine interest in a career at sea and readiness to live and work aboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel
Be prepared to perform safety roles, emergency responsibilities, and adhere to specified safety management guidelines
Be willing to share living quarters with fellow crew and appreciate working in a multicultural environment with strict regulations
Hold a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (provided by Disney Cruise Line)
Complete a pre-employment medical examination
Obtain a criminal background check
Bring approved work footwear
Commit to a drug-free workplace including drug and alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout contracts
A minimum of five years of leadership experience in fine dining
Experience in fine dining establishments of 1 star Michelin or higher
Understanding and ability to implement safety and health regulations on board
Excellent communication skills
Experience in menu planning and kitchen management
Ability to manage budgets and food costs effectively
Ability to work in a multicultural and dynamic team environment

Job Qualifications

A minimum of five years of leadership experience in fine dining, equating to a 1 star Michelin or higher establishment
In-depth knowledge of food and beverage products, services, and equipment in fine dining
Strong training and skills in Western/European fine dining
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to project and control costs while understanding their impact on budgeting
Expertise in planning, writing, and implementing high-quality seasonal menus
Capability to write and cost recipes, training the team to uphold the highest standards
A college education or significant practical experience is preferred
A Certified Chef designation or equivalent Culinary Arts degree is a plus
Recognition in national or international media would be an advantage

Job Duties

Inspire and guide the Remy/Enchante team to deliver exceptional dining experiences recognized by industry peers
Train, develop, and empower team members to achieve top quality product and service standards through hands-on leadership
Encourage creativity, innovative food production, and effective cost control to maximize revenue
Manage all food offerings, including group meals and special requests
Develop new flavor experiences through innovative combinations, textures, and flavors
Ensure culinary standards are upheld in the Remy restaurant
Adhere to food cost budgets and targets set by the onboard Food Manager
Conduct daily tastings to maintain consistency in quality and presentation
Ensure final quality control of all food items served
Maintain compliance with USPH and HACCP standards in the galley
Oversee the maintenance of kitchen facilities and equipment
Facilitate inventory control, ensuring proper par levels and replenishment
Guide the allergy and dietary training of staff in accordance with company guidelines
Engage with guests on the dining floor to enhance their experience