Restaurant Chef

Santa Fe, NM, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,000.00 - $80,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

competitive pay

comprehensive benefits

25% 401(k) match

generous employee discounts

maternity leave

paternity leave

Career growth opportunities

Job Description

Heritage Hotels & Resorts is New Mexico’s premier locally owned hospitality group, distinguished by a profound respect for culture, place, and people. Our portfolio includes luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants deeply rooted in authentic storytelling, exceptional service, and a strong sense of community pride. We are committed to caring for our guests, our team, and the neighborhoods that surround us with thoughtful intention and genuine hospitality. Our reputation is built on delivering extraordinary experiences that celebrate the heritage and spirit of New Mexico while setting high standards in the hospitality industry. As a dynamic and growing company, we foster an environment where innovation, quality, and guest satisfaction are paramount.

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Restaurant Chef who will become the creative and culinary leader of a single restaurant outlet within our esteemed group. This full-time culinary leadership role is essential in shaping the guest dining experience through meticulous menu development, flawless execution, and effective team leadership. The Restaurant Chef position demands a unique blend of creativity, culinary expertise, and operational management prowess. You will bring energy, originality, and passion to the kitchen, all while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and achieving financial performance targets.

In this role, you will be responsible for directing all culinary operations of the assigned restaurant outlet. Your leadership will be squarely focused on building a cohesive and accountable kitchen team, aligning culinary vision with property standards, and fostering collaborative relationships with front-of-house personnel to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience. By owning the culinary direction, you will have a direct impact on the restaurant’s success, team engagement, and guest satisfaction, making your role both strategic and hands-on.

Our ideal candidate brings strong culinary creativity with the ability to design innovative and appealing menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and align with our high-quality standards. You will oversee hiring, training, coaching, and performance management of kitchen staff, cultivating a culture of excellence and accountability. A hands-on leadership style ensures smooth daily operations, rigorous adherence to food safety and sanitation protocols, and effective management of food costs, labor, and inventory.

Joining Heritage Hotels & Resorts means becoming part of a team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and encourages your culinary expression. We offer a competitive salary and extensive benefits including a 25% 401(k) match, generous employee discounts, maternity and paternity leave, and opportunities for career advancement. You will work in a collaborative environment that celebrates innovation, quality, and community values, all within a workplace proudly rooted in New Mexico’s heritage. This is your chance to take ownership of a restaurant concept, bringing your creative vision to life while contributing to a team dedicated to excellence and community pride.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 1+ years in a leadership role
Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
ServSafe Certification or equivalent required
Strong culinary creativity with the ability to design and execute innovative menus
Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team
Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food cost management, and inventory control
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency and quality
Effective communication and collaboration skills across departments
Experience in a high-quality or upscale restaurant environment preferred

Job Qualifications

Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
Minimum of 2 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 1+ years in a leadership role
Experience in a high-quality or upscale restaurant environment preferred
ServSafe Certification or equivalent required
Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team
Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food cost management, and inventory control
Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency and quality
Effective communication and collaboration skills across departments

Job Duties

Lead and manage culinary team within outlet
Oversee hiring, training, coaching, and performance management of kitchen staff of outlet
Build a strong, cohesive team culture focused on accountability and excellence while collaborating and working well with front-of-house and other departments
Lead all culinary operations for the assigned restaurant outlet, ensuring consistency in quality, presentation, and execution
Develop and evolve menus with a focus on creativity, seasonality, and guest appeal while aligning with overall property standards
Execute daily service with a hands-on leadership approach, ensuring smooth and efficient kitchen operations
Maintain strong collaboration with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
Monitor and manage food costs, labor, and inventory to meet financial goals
Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently upheld
Source high-quality ingredients and build relationships with vendors where applicable
Train and mentor team members, supporting skill development and internal growth
Maintain organization and cleanliness of the kitchen, ensuring all systems and processes are followed