What are the responsibilities and job description for the Restaurant Chef position at Heritage Companies?
About Heritage Hotels & Resorts
Heritage Hotels & Resorts is New Mexico’s premier locally owned hospitality group, built on a deep respect for culture, place and people. Our luxury hotels and award-winning restaurants are rooted in authentic storytelling, exceptional service and community pride. We care for our guests, our team and our neighborhoods with the same intention. If you enjoy delivering thoughtful, detail-oriented service, we invite you to grow with us.
Why This Role Matters
We are seeking a Restaurant Chef who will serve as the creative and culinary leader of a single outlet. This role is critical in defining the guest experience through thoughtful menu development, execution, and team leadership. The Restaurant Chef brings energy and originality to the kitchen while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and financial performance. By owning the culinary direction of the outlet, this role directly influences guest satisfaction, team engagement, and the success of the restaurant.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and manage culinary team within outlet
- Oversee hiring, training, coaching, and performance management of kitchen staff of outlet
- Build a strong, cohesive team culture focused on accountability and excellence while collaborating and working well with front-of-house and other departments
- Lead all culinary operations for the assigned restaurant outlet, ensuring consistency in quality, presentation, and execution
- Develop and evolve menus with a focus on creativity, seasonality, and guest appeal while aligning with overall property standards
- Execute daily service with a hands-on leadership approach, ensuring smooth and efficient kitchen operations
- Maintain strong collaboration with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
- Monitor and manage food costs, labor, and inventory to meet financial goals
- Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and health standards are consistently upheld
- Source high-quality ingredients and build relationships with vendors where applicable
- Train and mentor team members, supporting skill development and internal growth
- Maintain organization and cleanliness of the kitchen, ensuring all systems and processes are followed
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including a 25% 401(k) match!
- Generous employee discounts across Heritage hotels, restaurants, spa and retail!
- Maternity & Paternity leave!
- Take ownership of a restaurant concept where your creativity and vision can come to life!
- Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, quality, and guest experience!
- Opportunity to grow your career within a dynamic hospitality organization!
- Be part of a team that supports new ideas, menu development, and culinary expression!
- Partner with leadership who value your expertise and invest in your success!
- A workplace rooted in New Mexico pride and community values!
Requirements
- Strong culinary creativity with the ability to design and execute innovative menus
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team
- Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food cost management, and inventory control
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency and quality
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across departments
- Minimum of 2 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 1 years in a leadership role
- Experience in a high-quality or upscale restaurant environment preferred
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
- ServSafe Certification or equivalent required