Director of Culinary Operations

Welcome to Pyramid Global Hospitality, where people come first. As a company that values its employees, Pyramid Global Hospitality is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, growth, development, and wellbeing. Our commitment to a People First culture is reflected in our approach to employee development, employee benefits and our dedication to building meaningful relationships. Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a range of employment benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as unique perks such as on-site wellness programs, local discounts, and employee rates on hotel stays. In addition, Pyramid Global Hospitality is committed to providing ongoing training and development opportunities to help our people build the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers. Whether you are just starting out in the hospitality industry or are a seasoned professional, Pyramid Global Hospitality offers a supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages growth and fosters success, in over 230 properties worldwide. Join their team and experience the benefits of working for a company that values its employees and is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences. Check out this video for more information on our great company! About our property: The award-winning, 480-acre Saddlebrook Resort has made a name for itself as a premier meeting and vacation destination, as well as one of the nation’s preeminent athletic training facilities. Purposely planned as a car-free Walking Village, the resort setting allows guests to easily walk everywhere, surrounded by lagoons and cypress trees. Families and groups visiting our upscale hotel near Tampa, Florida, may choose from 495 rooms and suites with a total of 800 bedrooms, clustered around nine serene courtyards complete with gardens, stone benches, stone paver walkways and native Florida landscaping. Exceptional restaurants and lounges, two golf courses, multiple tennis courts and more complete our offerings. What you will have an opportunity to do: Position Overview At Saddlebrook Resort, our associates are Game Changers — Changing the Game by delivering exceptional experiences to every guest. Guided by Pyramid Global Hospitality’s values of People First, Integrity, and Excellence, the Director of Culinary Operations is responsible for leading all culinary operations across the resort while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, service, sanitation, and financial performance. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all kitchen operations including restaurants, banquets, catering, employee dining, and unique events. The Director of Culinary Operations ensures culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and a culture of teamwork and innovation while operating within established budgetary guidelines. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership · Lead and inspire the culinary team across all resort outlets including restaurants, banquets, catering, and employee dining. · Ensure all food preparation and presentation meet Saddlebrook Resort’s culinary standards and specifications. · Foster a Game Changer culture that promotes creativity, collaboration, and pride in culinary excellence. · Develop a high-performing culinary team through coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives. Operational Excellence · Oversee daily culinary operations ensuring consistency, efficiency, and exceptional food quality across all outlets. · Supervise chefs, cooks, and kitchen personnel to ensure proper preparation, portioning, and presentation of all menu items. · Ensure kitchens are prepared for service in a timely and organized manner. · Coordinate closely with Food & Beverage leadership and banquet teams to ensure seamless service execution. Financial Management · Operate culinary operations within established budgetary guidelines. · Manage food cost controls through proper purchasing, portion control, and inventory management. · Ensure all food purchases are made according to established specifications. · Monitor waste reduction and ensure proper utilization of ingredients and food products. · Recommend menu improvements and operational efficiencies to maximize profitability while maintaining quality. Food Quality & Menu Development · Maintain high culinary standards in taste, presentation, and consistency. · Develop and implement menus that offer variety, creativity, and value while aligning with budgetary requirements. · Ensure portion sizes, ingredients, and preparation methods meet established cost and quality standards. Inventory & Purchasing · Maintain adequate inventory of food supplies including meats, groceries, perishables, and specialty items. · Ensure proper food storage practices that preserve quality and extend product life. · Oversee inventory management and ensure appropriate requisitioning from the storeroom. Sanitation & Safety · Ensure all food preparation and storage areas maintain the highest sanitation standards. · Maintain compliance with all health department regulations and food safety guidelines. · Inspect kitchen equipment regularly and coordinate repairs with Engineering, as necessary. · Promote a culture of safety and cleanliness within all culinary areas. Team Development & Training · Develop and maintain training programs for culinary associates to ensure consistent standards and professional growth. · Support associate engagement and career development opportunities. · Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments. Additional Responsibilities · Ensure banquet and catering functions are executed according to event specifications and timelines. · Maintain effective communication with Food & Beverage, Sales, and Events teams to support group business and resort events. · Oversee the quality and presentation of food served in the employee dining area. · Monitor kitchen productivity to ensure service efficiency. · Perform additional duties as assigned by resort leadership. Qualifications Education & Experience · Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent apprenticeship training required. · Minimum five (5) years of culinary leadership experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or high-volume restaurant environment. · Experience managing multiple culinary outlets preferred. Skills & Competencies · Strong leadership and team development abilities. · Excellent communication and organizational skills. · Strong financial and operational management skills. · Ability to maintain high culinary standards in a fast-paced hospitality environment. · Passion for culinary innovation and guest service excellence. Work Environment The role operates primarily within commercial kitchen environments across the resort, requiring frequent movement between outlets and operational areas. Saddlebrook Culture At Saddlebrook Resort, we believe in delivering extraordinary experiences through the power of hospitality. Our team members embody the Game Changer mindset, creating memorable moments for guests while supporting one another. We are guided by Pyramid Global Hospitality’s values: People First - We care deeply for our associates and guests. Integrity - We do the right thing, always. Excellence - We continuously raise the standard in everything we do. Join the Team If you are passionate about culinary leadership and creating exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to join our team of Game Changers at Saddlebrook Resort — Changing the Game What are we looking for? Compensation: - Pyramid Global Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations. PYRAMID GLOBAL HOSPITALITY® is a trailblazer in the development, management, marketing and owner‐advisory services of resorts, hotels, conference centers and exclusive private clubs. PYRAMID’S distinguished and proven reputation is deeply‐rooted in core values that are focused and aligned with a people-first mentality. The company leadership and valued associates are passionately committed to delivering the industry’s most authentic, enchanted, soulful, vibrant, unrivaled and memory‐making experience. PYRAMID’S progressive “Be The Difference” culture and values are a cornerstone to the company’s nearly 40 years of extraordinary achievement and prosperity. Many properties have been recognized with prestigious national and international awards.