Executive Chef - Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge

JOB SUMMARY

Accountable for the overall success and management of daily kitchen operations across the reserve at Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge. Exhibits exceptional culinary talent by personally performing tasks while leading staff, managing all food-related functions, and reporting directly to the Director of Culinary. Works in close alignment with leadership to continually elevate guest and associate satisfaction while maximizing financial performance across all culinary areas. Supervises all kitchen operations to ensure a consistently ultra-luxury culinary product. Responsible for guiding, mentoring, and developing culinary associates and direct reports while strictly enforcing food safety, sanitation, and sustainable sourcing practices. Areas of responsibility encompass all food preparation zones (including main dining, lounge, in-villa dining, bespoke private events, and the associate restaurant) as well as support functions (stewarding and purchasing).

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED; 6 years of experience in culinary, food and beverage, or a related professional area within a luxury resort environment.

OR

• 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 4 years of experience in culinary, food and beverage, or a related professional area within a luxury resort environment.

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

Leading Kitchen Operations for Property

• Reports directly to the Director of Culinary, providing daily operational leadership to the kitchen management team at Emirates Wolgan Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
• Directs day-to-day culinary operations, stepping in to perform duties or reallocating resources to cover gaps as needed.
• Sets clear performance standards, monitors daily execution, and provides continuous guidance to subordinates.
• Leads Ladies & Gentlemen by example using strong interpersonal skills, promoting sound financial decisions, integrity, and the Gold Standards.
• Fosters a supportive work environment built on mutual trust, respect, equity, and open communication.
• Solicits associate feedback, maintains an open-door policy, and addresses concerns to drive high associate engagement.
• Oversees and coordinates the daily activities of chefs, cooks, and kitchen support staff, demonstrating advanced cooking techniques and modern equipment operation.

Setting and Maintaining Goals for Culinary Function and Activities

• Implements and enforces rigorous inventory, purchasing, and receiving control procedures in coordination with the Director of Culinary.
• Establishes clear performance, budgetary, and team goals aligned with resort objectives.
• Enforces comprehensive kitchen safety, hygiene, and emergency codes, ensuring full team compliance.
• Manages department controllable expenses, including food cost optimization, portion control, uniforms, supplies, and equipment maintenance.
• Contributes actively to the departmental budgeting process.

Ensuring Culinary Standards and Responsibilities are Met

• Collaborates with the Director of Culinary on regional, seasonal menu development and farm-to-table culinary concepts tailored to Emirates Wolgan Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
• Inspects raw and prepared food products continuously to guarantee peak quality, presentation, and flavor profiles.
• Oversees plate presentation and creates refined, decorative food displays for dining venues and special events.
• Enforces strict food handling, temperature control, and sanitation standards, ensuring all team members maintain required certifications.
• Maintains precise purchasing, receiving, and food storage protocols across all larders and walk-ins.
• Prepares and cooks specialized dishes regularly and for high-profile guest functions.

Ensuring Exceptional Guest Service

• Supports and models service behaviors that exceed luxury guest expectations and drive guest retention.
• Interacts with guests to gather direct feedback on menu offerings, culinary quality, and service execution.
• Swiftly addresses and resolves guest culinary preferences, dietary requirements, or concerns.
• Empowers team members to deliver personalized culinary experiences within established guidelines for Emirates Wolgan Valley, A Ritz-Carlton Lodge.
• Analyzes guest satisfaction metrics and comment cards alongside the Director of Culinary to identify and act on improvement areas.

Managing Human Resources & Talent Development

• Identifies developmental needs of culinary staff, providing hands-on coaching, mentoring, and skills training.
• Teaches kitchen associates fundamental and advanced culinary techniques, plating aesthetics, and flavor balancing.
• Conducts timely performance reviews for direct report managers.
• Partners with event and front-of-house teams to provide comprehensive training on menu composition, regional ingredients, and allergen awareness.
• Administers progressive discipline and documentation consistently in accordance with Standard and Local Operating Procedures (SOPs and LSOPs) and Fair Treatment policies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains clear, professional communication with executive teams, managers, peers, and subordinates across all channels.
• Analyzes operational data and kitchen metrics to solve operational challenges effectively.

At Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.