Chef / Lead Cook – Waterfront Yacht Club

Help Build the Future of Dining at Hawaii Yacht Club

The Hawaii Yacht Club is rebuilding and expanding its food and beverage program, and we're looking for an experienced Chef / Lead Cook to play a key role in rebuilding and growing our food and beverage program.

Located on the Ala Wai Harbor waterfront, Hawaii Yacht Club is revitalizing its dining experience with quality food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a growing kitchen, contribute ideas for menus, weekly specials, and event offerings in collaboration with club management, and help build something special at one of Hawaii's historic yacht clubs.

The galley currently operates primarily Thursday through Saturday, offering a predictable schedule and a healthier work-life balance than many traditional restaurant kitchens.

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who wants an opportunity to collaborate on menus, weekly specials, and seasonal offerings. We're looking for someone who is excited to bring fresh ideas to the table while creating a dining experience that keeps members coming back.

Position Summary

The Chef / Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the galley, preparing high-quality meals, maintaining food safety standards, assisting with menu development, and supporting special events and member dining. Works collaboratively with club management and staff to provide an exceptional dining experience for members and guests. This position works closely with club management to deliver a consistent, high-quality dining experience while maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth, efficient service.
• Prepare and cook menu items to consistently high standards.
• Develop creative daily and weekly specials.
• Collaborate with management on seasonal menus, promotions, and special events.
• Ensure proper food preparation, presentation, and portion control.
• Maintain inventory and communicate ordering needs.
• Help manage food costs while minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, and food safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen.
• Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation, and member experience.
• Assist with banquet, catering, and private event food service.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff as the team grows.
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Lead Cook, Sous Chef, Chef, or Kitchen Supervisor.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and sanitation procedures.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and professional.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Hawaii Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain one).
• Flexible availability for evenings, weekends, and occasional special events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a private club, yacht club, hotel, or upscale casual restaurant.
• Experience with banquet and event catering.
• Knowledge of food cost management, inventory control, and kitchen organization.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Consistent scheduling.
• Primarily Thursday–Saturday service hours.
• No late-night restaurant shifts.
• Creative input on menus and weekly specials.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of our food and beverage program.
• Supportive management team that values new ideas.
• Beautiful waterfront work environment.
• Employee discounts.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Schedule

• Primarily Thursday through Saturday.
• Additional hours may be available for private events, regattas, and special club functions.
• Day and evening shifts.
• Occasional special events and member functions.
• Some holiday shifts as needed.

Why Join Hawaii Yacht Club?

This is more than just another kitchen position, it's an opportunity to help transform the dining experience at one of Hawaii's historic yacht clubs.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in preparing exceptional food, enjoys collaborating with a dedicated team, and wants to build something meaningful. Your ideas, creativity, and leadership won't get lost in a large corporate kitchen—they'll have a direct impact on the experience of our members and guests.

As our food and beverage program continues to grow, you'll have the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its future and helping create a destination that members are excited to support.

If you're passionate about great food, hospitality, and building something special, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Today

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction describing your culinary experience, availability, and why you'd be a great fit for Hawaii Yacht Club.

Job Type: Part-Time

Pay: $22.00–$28.00 per hour (Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunities for advancement

Work Location: In person

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• How many years of professional cooking experience do you have?

- Less than 1 year
- 1–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 5 years

• How many years of kitchen leadership experience do you have (Lead Cook, Sous Chef, Chef, Kitchen Manager, etc.)?

-None
-Less than 1 year
-1–2 years
-3–5 years
-5 years

• Are you available to work primarily Thursday, Friday, and Saturday?

-Yes
-No

• Do you currently hold a Hawaii Food Handler Certificate?

-Yes
-No
-Will obtain before employment

• Have you worked in any of the following environments?

-Restaurant
-Hotel
-Private Club / Yacht Club
-Catering / Events
-Banquets

• What interests you most about this opportunity at Hawaii Yacht Club?

-Short answer response

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $28