Executive Chef | Valley River Inn

Benefits

• Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 annually
• Cellphone allowance
• Incentive eligible
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and 401K benefits
• HSA/FSA Plans with employer contribution
• Values-based culture (#OMGLIFE)
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
• Referral bonus
• Discounted lodging, dining, spa, golf, and retail
• Employee Assistance Program
• “Columbia Cares” volunteer opportunities
• Committee participation opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
• Task Force work opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
• Online learning platform to help you grow
• Third-party perks (including discounts on pet insurance, rental cars, movie and concert tickets, theme parks, and attractions)

About the Company

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive—and success. Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.

Responsibilities

• Maintains responsibility for day-to-day operation of the kitchen and has complete responsibility for the kitchen in its entirety
• Develops and implements procedures to ensure that all work practices meet or exceed the established standards
• Communicates daily with General Manager for updates, changes, and revisions to existing contracts
• Maintains standards for food quality, presentation, handling, sanitation, and safety; follows all appropriate policies and procedures
• Ensures timely and courteous follow-through on all client, guest, and team member requests
• Assists in the selection, supervision, training, development, scheduling, evaluating, disciplining, and counseling of staff
• Demonstrates positive leadership characteristics that empower and inspire employees to meet and exceed standards
• Monitors food and labor costs
• Conducts daily walk-through of all walk-in refrigerators, dry storage areas, and food lines to ensure rotation, usage, cleanliness, and proper sanitation
• Utilizes specification sheets to prepare daily preparation requirements and maintains par levels of necessary items
• Prepares and manages creation of new menu items
• Ensures attractive, consistent presentations of food items, both buffet and plated
• Interacts/supervises line cooks to monitor quality, presentation, and consistency of food items prepared
• Handles all needs and accommodates customer requests in a timely manner
• Sets up, re-stocks, maintains, and cleans food preparation areas
• Responsible for ensuring presentation standards are met for all hot and cold items
• Reads and interprets recipes
• Conducts product inventories, ordering, and receiving of product
• Responsible for team maintenance of grooming standards
• Responsible for team adherence to standards for sanitation and safe food handling
• Responsible for all opening and closing kitchen procedures

Requirements

• A culinary arts degree and/or equivalent training with 7+ years in the industry and 2+ years of experience in a culinary management role in a similar environment
• Must possess excellent business communication skills (both written and verbal) to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries
• Ability to manage according to employment and industry-relevant laws
• Conflict management and negotiation skills
• Must be flexible and able to perform multiple tasks, work in stressful situations with shifting priorities
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other computer programs
• Must demonstrate excellent people skills and a professional, friendly, and enthusiastic demeanor
• Detail-oriented, reliable, punctual, and have exceptional organizational skills
• Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s)

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Columbia Hospitality we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

About the Workplace

Welcome to Eugene’s Only Riverfront Hotel—a place where natural beauty meets warm hospitality. Nestled along the banks of the Willamette River, Valley River Inn offers a tranquil retreat for guests with over 250 fully renovated rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the Pacific Northwest charm while providing the comforts of a modern, upscale experience. Whether it’s savoring a glass of local Willamette Valley wine on a private balcony overlooking the river or enjoying the vibrant sunset, the setting offers an unforgettable connection to Eugene’s natural surroundings.

This historic property is home to Sweet Waters on the River, a beloved local dining destination, and features over 15,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, making it a favorite for gatherings of all sizes. Located just minutes from Eugene’s bustling downtown, the University of Oregon, and iconic venues like Autzen Stadium and Hayward Field, Valley River Inn is at the heart of Eugene’s cultural and recreational scene.