Culinary Director

Company Description

Sprung from the site of a fallow tree nursery, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection is a 140-acre retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley, just 90 minutes from New York City. Rooted in meaningful encounters with nature, the property sways with the seasons, surrounded by meadows of native flowers and woodlands. Anchored by its namesake farm with orchards, heirloom gardens, and animals, the retreat offers immersive seasonal experiences like foraging walks, cooking workshops, and healing sessions. A three-mile walking trail links 65 stand-alone cabins, cottages, and suites with the Movement Studio and Maplehouse, a lofty barn home to a dynamic cooking school. Accommodations are immersed in the ever-changing landscape, offering a deep sense of place. Guests are welcomed at The Shop, reminiscent of a well-curated potting shed, and the open-air Great Porch. Dining at Clay, the centerpiece restaurant, features source-origin cuisine that honors the region’s bounty. Thistle offers wild-crafted wellbeing that evolves with the seasons. The property also provides access to neighboring Mohonk Preserve, where wooded trails and cliffs invite world-class hiking, biking, and climbing. Named the Number 1 Hotel in New York State by Travel Leisure for the 2025 World’s Best Awards and recognized with a One Key distinction from the inaugural Michelin Guide, Wildflower Farms is a basecamp for adventure, craft, and curiosity.

For more information: auberge.com/wildflower-farms

Follow Wildflower Farms on Instagram @WildflowerAuberge

Job Description

Wildflower Farms is seeking a visionary Culinary Director to lead its gastronomic journey. With a deep connection to nature and a philosophy rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and place, this role offers the opportunity to shape an immersive culinary experience that reflects the land’s abundance and celebrates the Hudson Valley.

Guided by seasonality, the Culinary Director will craft a cuisine that honors regional ingredients and elevates rustic elegance into something quietly extraordinary. This is a chance to tell a story of terroir and time, creating thoughtful, layered menus that are as soulful as they are sophisticated.

The ideal candidate will be both a creative force and a collaborative leader—capable of cultivating a kitchen culture that values curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection. As the steward of Wildflower Farms’ culinary ethos, the Culinary Director will nurture an experience that invites guests to slow down, savor the moment, and rediscover the joy of food rooted in nature.

Core Responsibilities

• Design innovative culinary concepts and menus that align with our luxury positioning while highlighting the distinct ingredients from our farm
• Partner with the Farm Director to cultivate specialty produce that enhances our culinary identity and strengthens our connection to the land
• Source premium ingredients from Wildflower Farms and select local producers to create seasonally-inspired menus that reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability
• Deliver seamless guest experiences, with particular emphasis on creating memorable dining moments
• Execute our strategic business plan to establish the property as a premier destination for unique luxury hospitality experiences
• Highly skilled in both restaurant and event management
• Create one of a kind Culinary Experiences and Classes that are in line with the Soul of the Place 
• Build a positive kitchen culture founded on trust and pride that drives high employee engagement and satisfaction
• Champion service excellence by implementing systems that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences
• Identify and nurture culinary talent to build a highly skilled and motivated kitchen
• Mentor and develop your culinary team, providing training and growth opportunities that inspire excellence
• Optimize food and labor costs through effective inventory management and resource utilization
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure smooth culinary operations throughout the resort
• Engage with media, food writers, and influencers as an enthusiastic ambassador for our culinary philosophy
• Stay current with culinary innovations and trends to continually enhance our food and beverage offerings
• Address guest concerns promptly and effectively to ensure complete satisfaction
• Analyze food and beverage costs to improve operational efficiency while maintaining quality
• Provide detailed financial reporting on department performance with actionable recommendations for profitability
• Maintain strong owner relationships by demonstrating exceptional stewardship of the property

Pay Range: $175,000 - $190,000

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in a comparable leadership role within a luxury hospitality environment or prestigious restaurant group
• Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related business field (or equivalent professional experience) 
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet operational demands
• Proficiency with Google applications and restaurant management systems

Additional Information

Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 30 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

For more information: auberge.com

Connect with Auberge Collection on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn @Auberge and #AlwaysAuberge

About Friedkin

Friedkin is a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan Friedkin, and united by a mission to build breakthrough brands that redefine the status quo.

The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton Football Club, GSFSGroup, Imperative Entertainment, Legendary Expeditions, NEON, Northside Lexus, Pursuit Sports, The Friedkin Group International, USAL and Westside Lexus.

For more information, please visit www.friedkin.com.

Shinrin Yoku LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Shinrin Yoku LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Shinrin Yoku LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.