Resort Executive Chef

Location: Solitude Mountain Resort, Utah

Department: Food & Beverage

Reports to: Vice President of Food & Beverage

Employment Status: Full‑Time, Year‑Round

About the Role

The Resort Executive Chef is the culinary leader at Solitude Mountain Resort, responsible for setting the vision, standards, and execution of all culinary operations across the resort. The role leads and trains culinary teams while working hands‑on in the resort kitchens to elevate food quality, maintain consistency, and create memorable dining experiences for guests year‑round. The chef serves as a strategic partner to Food & Beverage leadership, overseeing menu and recipe development, culinary training, food safety compliance, labor and cost management, and execution across quick‑service & full‑service restaurants, bars, banquets, and events.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership & Resort Vision: Lead culinary direction and long‑term food strategy, develop distinct culinary identities for each outlet, collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to enhance guest satisfaction, foster a culture of creativity and accountability, act as a visible hands‑on leader, and participate in monthly Food Safety meetings and the Alterra Culinary Coalition.
• Restaurant & Concept Development: Create menus that reflect Solitude’s identity, align concepts with guest expectations, mountain culture, seasonal opportunities, and business objectives; lead menu testing, recipe development, standardization, and performance evaluation; promote local sourcing and sustainable practices; work with Alterra partnerships and broadline purveyors for optimal pricing and products.
• Kitchen Operations & Team Development: Oversee all culinary operations resort‑wide, direct kitchen managers, sous chefs, and culinary leaders; develop staffing plans for seasonal fluctuations; recruit, train, and mentor a high‑performing team; build succession plans and leadership pipelines; maintain operational, recipe, presentation, and execution standards.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Serve as culinary lead for food safety, partner with the Alterra Food Safety Director, ensure compliance with local and federal health regulations, lead training, sanitation programs, audits, and corrective actions; ensure proper receiving, storage, handling, preparation, and service procedures.
• Financial Management: Manage culinary labor, food cost, and operating expenses to meet budgeted goals; analyze performance metrics and implement corrective actions; monitor purchasing, inventory controls, waste reduction, and product utilization; partner with vendors for quality and value; support annual budgeting and forecasting.
• Guest Experience & Quality Assurance: Champion exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and hospitality; monitor guest feedback and implement improvements; maintain strong presence in restaurants and event spaces; collaborate with front‑of‑house leadership for seamless experiences.
• Leadership Expectations: Lead by example with a strong operational presence; inspire and develop teams through coaching and mentorship; promote innovation while maintaining discipline; build collaborative relationships across resort departments; continuously seek improvements in quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction; align with Solitude Mountain Resort’s culture, mission, and values.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of culinary leadership experience in resorts, hotels, high‑volume restaurants, or multi‑unit operations.
• 3+ years in an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership role.
• Strong expertise in restaurant operations, banquets, catering, and event execution.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Experience leading large culinary teams in seasonal or destination environments.
• Financial acumen in food cost, labor management, inventory control, and budgeting.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Demonstrated ability to ski or snowboard at a beginner level or higher.
• ServSafe Manager or equivalent food safety certification.

Benefits & Perks

• Work & Play in the Wasatch Mountains with access to select Alterra Mountain Company destinations.
• Free Solitude season pass for you and eligible dependents; discounts on lift tickets for friends and family.
• Discounts on food, rentals, retail, and lessons.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for eligible employees.
• Pro deals with outdoor brands.
• Generous 401(k) plan with company match.
• Free counseling service through Employee Assistance Program.