EXECUTIVE CHEF

About the role

This role is responsible for managing kitchen personnel and ensuring the effective delivery of all food at Esalen. The Culinary team prepares and delivers meals and operates a small bar every evening that sells a limited range of wines and beers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the preparation of approximately 250-300 quality meals, 3 times a day, 365 days of the year, in a timely manner
• Plans and manages the procurement, production, preparation, and presentation of all food at Esalen in a safe, sanitary, and cost-effective manner
• Ensures the quality of the product, consistency of presentation, and proper handling of all food products in accordance with California State Health Codes
• Inventorying, ordering, receiving, and accounting of all food and supplies – produce, meat, fish, dairy goods, dry goods – from both external vendors and Esalen’s own farm and garden
• Menu preparation – ensuring varied and diverse menus, including daily vegetarian and vegan options
• Manages employees during the shift and ensures appropriate professional standards of behavior, work standards, productivity, practices, and guest care are adhered to
• Manages kitchen human resources to attract, retain, and motivate staff while providing a safe environment: hire, train, develop, empower, coach, counsel, conduct performance reviews, resolve conflicts/problems, provide open communication channels, and discipline as appropriate
• Reviewing guest feedback and taking action to resolve culinary issues
• Preparation and delivery of food, beverage*, and service* for Esalen special events and catering
• Budget management
• Purchase and maintenance of kitchen machinery, equipment, and supplies
• Hiring, training, and supervision of the following Culinary Staff: 1 administrative and management personnel, 5 Staff Cooks, 8 Kitchen Help, 2-4 CIA externs (5-month rotation), 4 Work Scholars (80-day rotation), assorted hourly workers – dishwashers
• Preparation of staff schedules and payroll
• Monthly orientation of work scholars
• Weekly team process and monthly business meetings
• Communication with upper management and other departments as required
• Other various tasks as assigned

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience and high competency working in the food preparation and management of a large staff with a high meal count in the hospitality industry
• Experience and ability in meeting deadlines in a changing environment
• Experience in menu preparation in a creative and financially responsible way
• Forecasting and operating within budget plans
• Experience working within the culture and organization of Esalen, or similar like-minded organization is preferred
• Ability to work within a team in a creative, compassionate and direct way
• Ability to take responsibility, inspire, and be held accountable
• Flexibility and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions
• Ability to provide superior guest experiences in demanding situations
• Willingness to connect with and care for residents and guests
• Ability to take initiative and be detail-oriented with awareness of the larger picture
• Create and drive an Esalen Culinary culture
• Lead staff by delegating empowering, positive attitude
• Strong communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, empathy and common sense

Work in Collaboration with

• Farm and Garden around produce and Menu

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to maneuver on uneven ground
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to carry and lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to operate food preparation appliances and machinery
• Tolerate exposure to changes in temperature
• Be able to perform daily repetitive hand movements as it pertains to food preparation

Compensation

$89,000 - $117,000 a year Pay is commensurate with experience. Esalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.