Executive Chef

Grow with us...

Life at Starwood Hotels is based on a simple idea: the world is beautiful, and we want to keep it that way. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why hiring thoughtful and inspiring Team Members and Leaders who understand that our people, collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature are so important to us.

We fill our kitchen with organic produce, and we run a culinary team that believes in perfection, creativity and simplicity, respects nature and loves good food. We’re currently looking for a seasoned Executive Chef who thrives within a mission-driven environment, creates change through culinary innovation, and is a proven and effective leader, with the talent and desire to imagine unique,

locally sourced, unforgettable dishes. If you’re already thinking of new menus, we’d love to hear from you.

Set the vision and provide leadership and direction to drive guest and team member engagement, achieve operational and financial excellence and uphold brand standards ensuring quality, consistency and production of the Culinary & Stewarding operations of the hotel. The Executive Chef is responsible for oversight of all Culinary and Stewarding operations in Banquets, the Team Member Dining Room and for the production of guest amenities.

About you...

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and communicate a strategy for culinary and stewarding that is aligned with the property and brand and lead in its execution.
• Establish goals to optimize performance and hold the culinary and stewarding leadership team accountable for desired outcomes.
• Supervise and manage team members and day-to-day operations understanding positions well enough to perform duties in team member absence. Ensure and maintain the productivity level of team members.
• Exhibit culinary talents by personally performing tasks while leading the staff and managing all food related functions.
• Coordinate menus, purchasing, staffing and food preparation and presentation
• Ensure sanitation and food standards are achieved.
• Provide excellent customer service to all team members and respond quickly and proactively to team member concerns.
• Monitor guest feedback and performance data to optimize guest engagement and retention and take appropriate corrective action. Respond quickly and proactively to guest’s concerns and take ownership of guest complaints/problems until they are resolved or addressed.
• Improve service by communicating and assisting team members to understand guest needs, providing guidance, feedback and individual coaching when needed.
• Meet with guests on an informal basis during meals or upon departure to obtain feedback on food & beverage quality, service and overall satisfaction.
• Stay informed of market trends and introduce new products and services to drive guest engagement, increase revenue and ensure a competitive position in the market.
• Identify opportunities to optimize performance and create value by challenging existing processes, encouraging innovation and driving necessary change.
• Identify the developmental needs of others and provide opportunities for growth and development to maximize talent.
• Develop the culinary and stewarding budget and monitor financial performance to ensure goals are met or exceeded and opportunities are identified and addressed. Maintain a positive cost management index for departmental operations.
• Oversee the financial aspects of culinary and stewarding including purchasing, payment of invoices and payroll.
• Ensure proper controls are in place and polices are established and followed by all team members.
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships and ensure direct reports do the same.
• Ensure regular, ongoing communication occurs (e.g. daily rallies, divisional/departmental meetings, attendance at regular and ad hoc hotel meetings).
• Recruit and select talented leaders and team members who will enhance the 1 Hotels culture and demonstrate functional expertise; ensuring staffing levels are appropriate to meet business demands.
• Create a learning atmosphere with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates through coaching, counseling, mentoring, and reviewing performance.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence and inspire others; advocate sound business decisions; demonstrate honesty and integrity; lead by example.
• Build and maintain an organizational culture that maximizes employee engagement and attracts top talent. Ensure the environment of the department emphasizes motivation, empowerment, teamwork, continuous improvement and a passion for providing service. Encourage and build mutual trust, respect and cooperation among team members.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Managing Director of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. The Executive Chef has oversight for leaders and team members for Culinary and Stewarding operations in Banquets and the Team Member dining room.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

REQUIRED:

• A post-secondary diploma or degree in a field of study related to this profession; 4 years of experience in a comparable position and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Detailed culinary knowledge; demonstrated strong leadership and strategic planning skills; and proven achievements in optimizing guest and team member engagement and financial performance.
• Prior food production experience in banquets or similar high volume food production environment.
• Experience successfully leading in a fast-paced environment and prioritizing demands.
• Strong interpersonal, team member relations and leadership abilities.
• Well versed in Culinary financial aspects
• Technically savvy and familiar with culinary operating/budgeting systems and spreadsheets.
• Ability to identify and solve problems.
• Professional & appropriate business appearance and demeanor aligned with the 1 Hotel brand and culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility to meet the demands of a 24-hour operation

PREFERRED:

• Prior experience in a quality luxury hotel or restaurant brand; specifically in Culinary.
• Prior culinary experience in a banquet kitchen.
• Fluency in a second language other than English.

About us...

As a mission-driven company, our purpose is our true north, and our compass guides the way. The purpose we live by impacts the lives of our team members, drives the experiences for our guests, builds community with like-minded travelers and takes care of the planet we live in. Founded in 2006 by Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Hotels is a luxury hotel brand management company and affiliate of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group.

$190,000-$205,000 incentive bonus

Starwood Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in a diverse, sustainable workforce with an empowered, inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis covered under applicable law. If you require any special accommodations, please visit People Operations.