Restaurant Executive Chef

Gaylord Hotels, a proud part of Marriott International, is renowned for its expertise and leadership in meetings and experiences, delivering extraordinary environments, services, and programming that bring people together in memorable ways. Emphasizing creativity, entrepreneurship, and heartfelt service, Gaylord Hotels is committed to providing its associates, known as STARs, with not just a job but endless career opportunities and growth potential across a distinguished portfolio of Marriott brands. This unique approach creates a dynamic workplace where employees can truly thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally. Gaylord Hotels stands out in the hospitality industry by fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences, ensuring everyone has access to opportunity and is supported in becoming the best version of themselves.

The Kitchen Management Team Lead at Gaylord Hotels plays a pivotal role in directing the culinary operations within the Food and Beverage outlets. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing all kitchen activities—from food preparation and sanitation to inventory management and staff performance. The individual will lead a team of culinary professionals to consistently produce food that meets the highest standards of quality, taste, presentation, and portion control. This role is integral in executing the property’s strategic plans, including forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and maintaining profitability.

In this role, the Kitchen Management Team Lead is deeply involved in food purchasing, receiving, and cost management processes, ensuring that operational efficiency aligns with financial objectives. Collaboration with Senior Management is key, as the position contributes to the development of special menus, unique culinary presentations, and marketing strategies that enhance the guest experience. The role also involves creating and maintaining cost cards, recipe cards, photos, and catalogs that standardize quality and presentation across the property.

Beyond operational duties, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with critical food safety and sanitation standards, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, promoting a safe and healthy workplace. The lead will also engage guests through interactive cooking shows and maintain a strong working knowledge of current food and beverage trends in the hospitality industry.

Exceptional customer service is at the heart of this role, with the Kitchen Management Team Lead expected to foster service excellence, engage with guests for feedback, and manage guest issues promptly and effectively. Empowering and coaching culinary staff to meet and exceed guest expectations is crucial, as is providing ongoing training to maintain high standards.

Human resource management is another essential responsibility, including interviewing, hiring, training, employee development, performance appraisal, attendance monitoring, and ensuring a safe and secure working environment. The Kitchen Management Team Lead works closely with supervisors to help achieve their development goals and uphold standard operating procedures.

This comprehensive leadership role requires a balance of culinary expertise, business acumen, and people management skills to maintain operational excellence and guest satisfaction. If you are driven by culinary creativity, operational leadership, and delivering exceptional guest experiences, this opportunity at Gaylord Hotels offers a rewarding career path within a globally recognized hospitality brand, with ample support for your personal and professional growth.