Demo

Chef de Cuisine

Trailborn Hotels & Resorts
Highlands, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 8/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/22/2027

ABOUT OUR ROLE 


The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the daily culinary operations of the kitchen at Highlands Supper Club located on the grounds of Trailborn Highlands. Reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage, this role leads the back-of-house culinary team and ensures exceptional food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and execution across all food service outlets. The Chef de Cuisine is a hands-on leader who coaches and develops the kitchen team while maintaining high standards for guest satisfaction, food safety, and operational excellence.


ESSENTIAL 


FUNCTIONS 






Culinary Operations



  • Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient preparation and execution of all menu offerings.



  • Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion standards across all meal periods and service outlets.

  • Actively work the line and support the culinary team during service to ensure smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.

  • Assist with seasonal menu development, recipe execution, and specials in collaboration with the Director of Food & Beverage.

  • Ensure all recipes and plating standards are followed consistently.

  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe kitchen workspaces throughout each shift.

  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and occupational safety standards.


Team Leadership & Development



  • Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate cooks, prep cooks, and stewards.

  • Lead daily lineups and communicate service expectations and priorities to the culinary team.

  • Foster a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and respect.

  • Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to culinary team members.

  • Assist with onboarding and training new culinary employees.

  • Support scheduling needs and help ensure appropriate staffing levels for business demands.


Inventory & Kitchen Management



  • Assist with inventory management, receiving, product rotation, and proper storage procedures.

  • Monitor product quality and minimize waste through proper handling and preparation techniques.

  • Communicate purchasing needs and inventory shortages to the Director of Food & Beverage.

  • Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained, and report repair needs promptly.


Banquets & Special Events



  • Lead culinary execution for banquets, private events, and special functions.

  • Coordinate with the Food & Beverage and Sales leadership teams to ensure timely and accurate execution of event menus.

  • Accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests while maintaining quality and consistency.


Quality & Guest Experience



  • Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.

  • Address culinary concerns quickly and professionally to ensure guest satisfaction.

  • Lead by example with professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail during all services.

  • Promote a culture of hospitality and continuous improvement within the culinary team.


QUALIFICATIONS 



  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.

  • Minimum 3–5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in a hotel, resort, or high-volume restaurant environment.

  • Experience leading kitchen teams in fast-paced service environments.

  • Strong culinary techniques and knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and sanitation.

  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.

  • ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification required.


PHYSICAL 


REQUIREMENTS



  • Requires extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.


ABOUT OUR 


BENEFITS 


Company Benefits and Perks


Full Time


Part Time


Seasonal


Medical (with company contribution)


Eligible


-


-


Dental (with company contribution)


Eligible


-


-


Vision (with company contribution)


Eligible


-


-


Paid Time Off


Eligible


-


-


401(k) (with company match)


Eligible


Eligible


-


Sick Time


Eligible


Eligible


-


Employee Dining Discounts


Eligible


Eligible


Eligible


Employee Marketplace Discounts


Eligible


Eligible


Eligible


SCHEDULE


Hospitality demands a flexible schedule that may require extended hours as the business requires coverage including seasonality– on any day at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 


PAY RATE


$65,000-$75,000


JOB STATUS


Full Time


FLSA


Exempt


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY


Trailborn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.






If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please inform us during your application process.


The specific statements shown in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The job’s responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time without prior notice. The Company will try to give as much notice as practical when changes are made.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000

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