Chef de Cuisine

Overview

Alila Ventana Big Sur offers unmatched beauty and tranquility where the sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods converge. The Chef de Cuisine is a critical leader overseeing kitchen operations, menu design, staff leadership, cost control, and culinary excellence.

• Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Management – Oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring consistency and excellence in food quality.
• Team Leadership – Mentor, develop, and foster a positive and professional kitchen environment.
• Head of Kitchen – Maintain full accountability in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Strategic Collaboration – Work closely with the Executive Chef on menu engineering, innovation, and strategic planning.
• Food Quality & Execution – Ensure all food meets the highest culinary standards, develop creative, seasonal, and sustainable menu offerings, and maintain disciplined workflow.
• Inventory & Cost Management – Monitor inventory, manage procurement, implement waste reduction, portion control, and accurate record keeping.
• Staffing & Training – Lead recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, ongoing training, and foster an inclusive environment that supports growth and accountability.
• Health, Safety & Sanitation – Enforce compliance, conduct regular audits, and maintain equipment safety.
• Physical Requirements – Stand or walk extended periods, work high‑temperature environments, lift up to 50 pounds, perform in fast‑paced, physically demanding situations, and work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Key Attributes – Exceptional culinary creativity, strategic thinking, natural leadership, excellent communication, calm under pressure, and commitment to excellence.

$90,000 – $110,000 annually. This is the pay range for this position that Alila Ventana Big Sur reasonably expects to pay. Decisions regarding individual salaries will be based on a number of factors, such as experience and education.

• Annual free and discounted hotel stays at Hyatt hotels worldwide
• Well‑being benefits including Headspace subscription and tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off, family leave, and adoption support
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match after 1 year of employment
• Ventana Big Sur‑Specific Benefits – Gas stipend for qualified candidates, complimentary daily meals

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran.

• Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or comparable leadership role in high‑end culinary settings
• Strong understanding of farm‑to‑table practices and seasonal menu development
• Proficient in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations
• Experience managing kitchen budgets, ordering, and inventory systems
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and time management skills
• Culinary degree or formal training preferred
• Spanish fluency a plus
• Flexible availability for all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays