
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Rotating Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Life insurance
Travel opportunities
Job Description
Disney Cruise Line is a premier cruise line known for bringing the magic of Disney to the high seas. Part of The Walt Disney Company, a global leader in entertainment and technology, Disney Cruise Line offers a unique blend of family-friendly entertainment, exceptional service, and immersive experiences for guests of all ages. The company is celebrated for its dedication to creating cherished memories and genuine connections with guests, all within a safe and inclusive environment. With over 10,000 employees worldwide, Disney Cruise Line prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, responsibility, and excellence while fostering a diverse and supportive community on board its ships.
The role of Sous Chef at Disney Cruise Line is a pivotal position within the culinary team. Reporting directly to the Chef de Cuisine, the Sous Chef plays a critical leadership role in guiding a multicultural team of cooks and chefs to deliver exceptional food quality and presentation. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring that all meals meet the strict guidelines set forth by Disney Cruise Line and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This includes the preparation of menus that cater to allergy and special dietary needs, maintaining food safety standards, and upholding company recipe guidelines through meticulous audits and training.
As a high-volume kitchen environment on a cruise ship, the role demands strong leadership skills, time management, and the ability to perform under tight deadlines and operational goals. The Sous Chef will collaborate closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Food Operations management to continuously improve recipe formulation and culinary offerings based on guest feedback and inspections. Key responsibilities also include organizing daily menu presentations, managing kitchen equipment maintenance, and ensuring proper opening and closing procedures for all kitchen areas.
This position requires a genuine interest in a maritime career and a willingness to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel, embracing the multicultural and regulated shipboard environment. Candidates must be prepared to share confined living spaces with other crew members and adhere strictly to safety and emergency protocols as established by the ship's assemblies. This is a shipboard role that offers a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to unforgettable guest experiences at sea. Disney Cruise Line also emphasizes a drug-free workplace, with mandatory drug and alcohol testing throughout the contract period, underscoring its commitment to safety and responsibility. If you are passionate about culinary excellence, leadership, and delivering magical moments, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a world-renowned entertainment company on a remarkable journey.
The role of Sous Chef at Disney Cruise Line is a pivotal position within the culinary team. Reporting directly to the Chef de Cuisine, the Sous Chef plays a critical leadership role in guiding a multicultural team of cooks and chefs to deliver exceptional food quality and presentation. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring that all meals meet the strict guidelines set forth by Disney Cruise Line and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). This includes the preparation of menus that cater to allergy and special dietary needs, maintaining food safety standards, and upholding company recipe guidelines through meticulous audits and training.
As a high-volume kitchen environment on a cruise ship, the role demands strong leadership skills, time management, and the ability to perform under tight deadlines and operational goals. The Sous Chef will collaborate closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Food Operations management to continuously improve recipe formulation and culinary offerings based on guest feedback and inspections. Key responsibilities also include organizing daily menu presentations, managing kitchen equipment maintenance, and ensuring proper opening and closing procedures for all kitchen areas.
This position requires a genuine interest in a maritime career and a willingness to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel, embracing the multicultural and regulated shipboard environment. Candidates must be prepared to share confined living spaces with other crew members and adhere strictly to safety and emergency protocols as established by the ship's assemblies. This is a shipboard role that offers a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to unforgettable guest experiences at sea. Disney Cruise Line also emphasizes a drug-free workplace, with mandatory drug and alcohol testing throughout the contract period, underscoring its commitment to safety and responsibility. If you are passionate about culinary excellence, leadership, and delivering magical moments, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a world-renowned entertainment company on a remarkable journey.
Job Requirements
- Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel
- be willing to follow and perform safety role, emergency responsibilities and associated responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan
- be willing to uphold the general safety management responsibilities as specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control
- if applicable, be willing to share a confined cabin with other crew members and appreciative of working and living in a multicultural environment that has strict rules and regulation
- have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (DCL will provide you with documents to obtain this)
- complete a pre-employment medical
- obtain a criminal background check
- bring approved work shoes
- Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace and all new hires are required to undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts
- failure to pass the drug/alcohol testing will result in immediate termination
Job Qualifications
- Minimum three years formal culinary training which may consist of an accredited school or recognized apprenticeship
- minimum three years' experience of which at least two years working as Chef de Partie (including apprenticeship) experience in a high volume kitchen environment
- leadership and ability to manage multifunctional and diverse areas
- thorough knowledge of food allergies and special diets
- proficiency in safe food handling, HACCP / USPH
- must be proficient in all stations in the kitchen
- demonstrate natural initiative to undertake or continue a task or activity
Job Duties
- Complete proper menu preparation for all allergy and special dietary needs
- ensure training and preparation follow strict company guidelines
- exceed Disney Cruise Line and Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) requirements
- prepare and lead the culinary team through multiple internal inspections conducted weekly
- implement company recipe guidelines through recipe booklets, plate presentation and audits
- provide feedback on recipe formulation to the Chef de Cuisine and Manager Food Operations
- guide communication between galley crew, Chef de Cuisine and Manager Food Operations
- maintain food quality standards during storage, production and service
- ensure opening and closing procedures for all assigned kitchens and production areas
- monitor handling and maintenance of operating equipment
- report maintenance needs through onboard electronic maintenance request system
- organize daily menu presentations and food tasting
- provide performance feedback of entire team to the Chef De Cuisine
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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