What are the responsibilities and job description for the Culinary Operations / Executive Chef - Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach position at TPI Hospitality?
Fins’ up! Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach is seeking applications from seasoned professionals for the exciting role of Culinary Operations / Executive Chef.
Nestled in the heart of Southwest Florida’s vibrant landscape and under the proud ownership of TPI Hospitality, Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach offers not just a job but an opportunity for unparalleled personal and professional growth.
We are seeking an Operational Culinary / Executive Chef who is both a passionate culinary innovator and a strategic, operations-driven leader to elevate the dining experience at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach. In this highly visible, hands-on role, you will be the driving force behind every flavor, every plate, and every wow moment across our five onsite full-service restaurants, including our upscale JWB Grill, that include quick-service concepts, banquets, and signature events. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a strong operational background, exceptional culinary expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. You will be responsible for creating inspired recipes, delivering memorable guest experiences, and building, developing, and energizing a high-performing kitchen team. This position reports to the Director of Restaurant Operations at Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach.
Essential Job Expectations:
What You’ll Do:
- Oversee day-to-day scheduling, training, production, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen safety practices.
- Ensure every outlet operates with exceptional cleanliness, consistency, and an efficient workflow.
- Lead thoughtful cost control measures and make smart purchasing decisions that support overall profitability.
- Monitor food costs, inventory levels, and labor expenses to maximize financial performance.
- Implement strategies that improve kitchen efficiency, reduce waste, and support smooth operations.
- Work closely with FOH teams to create a seamless, coordinated experience for both employees and guests.
- Address guest feedback and concerns promptly, ensuring a consistently positive dining experience.
- Inspire, mentor, and motivate a powerhouse culinary team across all dining venues.
- Build a fun, upbeat, inclusive kitchen culture that radiates the TPI/Margaritaville spirit.
- Lead, train, develop, and inspire the culinary team to achieve excellence in food quality and service.
- Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to culinary staff to support their professional growth.
Menu Innovation and Development:
- Elevate the culinary experience by collaborating with chefs and culinary teams to create innovative seasonal menus, specials and event menus with current food trends in mind.
- Expand menu variety while maintaining consistency and upholding brand standards.
- Stay current with food trends, industry developments, and culinary innovations.
What You’ll Bring:
- A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience as an Executive Chef leading multiple outlets. Banquet experience is preferred.
- Experience in scheduling, training, ordering and inventory control
- A positive high-energy, outgoing leader who will engage and lead a team-based environment with effective leadership, communication, and training skills.
- Experience in creating and delivering quality a la carte and banquet/event menus and dishes.
- A love for fast-paced hands-on operations.
- Adaptable to change – can solve problems through an open-minded and all-inclusive approach.
- Knowledge of special diets/ allergies.
- The creativity, energy, and spark it will take to bring the Margaritaville brand to life on every plate.
About TPI Hospitality:
- Over 50 years of proven hospitality excellence.
- A culture built on empowerment, growth, and opportunity.
- A growing company with multiple new projects underway.
- 30 hotels and restaurants located throughout Minnesota and Florida.
- Twelve-time Best Places to Work Nominee by the Business Journal.
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental Insurance
- 401(k) & 401(k) matching
- Free parking and transportation to/from Margaritaville Resort
- PTO & Holiday Pay
- Volunteer time Off
- Bereavement Leave & School Conference Leave
- Free Parking (including shuttle service)
- Employee Discounts
- Supplemental Insurance Options
- Tuition Discount Program