Chef de Cuisine

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line; Alaska; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free cruise after first season

Referral program

Lifetime experience

Rewards & incentives

Employee activities

Job summary

Holland America Line is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine for its Denali Lodge in Alaska. This role oversees a high-volume, full-service kitchen with duties including staff leadership, menu development, and strict cost controls.

Seasonal nine-month contract with growth opportunities and preseason prep starting January 2026. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a busy kitchen, a culinary degree or certification, ServSafe, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a high-volume kitchen with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
• Culinary degree or certification; ServSafe certification required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations for a high-volume, full-service venue.
• Lead, train, and develop kitchen staff; manage scheduling within budget.
• Monitor food cost, inventory, and production forecasts weekly.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation protocols are rigorously followed.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Cost management

Sanitation knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Culinary degree or certification

ServSafe certification

Valid driver's license

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

Chef de Cuisine

Department: Food and Beverage

Employment Type: Seasonal - Full Time

Location: Holland America Denali Lodge

Description

Service Excellence. Performance. Integrity. Teamwork. Consistency. Innovation.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises united as HAP-Alaska/Yukon Land Operations. We’re innovators in Alaska and Yukon tourism and advocates for the environment. Our team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing to Alaska each summer, operating lodges and hotels, luxury motor coaches and the largest domed rail cars in the world. Our guests experience both luxury and adventure that is truly unmatched.

We’re looking for an experienced seasonal Chef de Cuisine to fill this role, which is based in our Holland America Denali Lodge. You’ll be responsible for primarily overseeing the culinary operations of one of our full service, high-volume Food and Beverage venues with additional responsibilities as assigned by the Food and Beverage Manager.

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for ensuring consistent and rigorous adherence to food safety protocol, sanitation and overall public health by providing thorough training and regular oversight of culinary operations. Key responsibilities of this role include team management and development, accountability to projected food cost, scheduling within budget, inventory management, maintaining accurate weekly production forecast and ensuring overall operational goals are met. The Chef de Cuisine will work closely with the Food and Beverage Manager, Executive Chef and other key leaders to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and team members. The ideal candidate will have extensive culinary expertise, strong leadership skills, a passion for innovation in the kitchen and an understanding of critical administrative responsibilities.

The seasonal Chef de Cuisine position is a nine month contract, with preseason preparation responsibilities beginning in January 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Health Environment Safety & Security: Ensure all kitchen operations comply with health and safety regulations and company policies/ Holland America brand standards.
• Food Preparation and Quality Control: Oversee the preparation and presentation of all dishes, ensuring consistency and excellence in taste and appearance.
• Staff Management and Training: Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment through dynamic scheduling. Implement effective strategies to address team challenges including remedial training and disciplinary action.
• Inventory and Cost Management: Manage inventory, order supplies from internal warehouse, and control food costs to maximize profitability in line with budget.

REQUIREMENTS

• The Chef de Cuisine plays a pivotal role in shaping the culinary and guest experience across the organization, impacting both shore and fleet operations.
• Ability to address and resolve complex culinary challenges, including menu adjustments and staff coordination.
• Directly influences customer satisfaction and the reputation of the Food and Beverage department through exceptional culinary offerings.
• Requires strong leadership skills to manage a diverse team, oversee kitchen operations, and drive continuous improvement.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Minimum age of 18 years is required to reside in company housing, where available.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States. Holland America-Princess is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time (e.g., H-2B status).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• ServSafe certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of menu development and cost management.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant automation systems.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

BENEFITS

• Travel - FREE CRUISE AFTER YOUR FIRST SEASON!
• Reward for Referral Program
• Experience – Of a lifetime!
• Rewards & Incentives
• Community Service
• Employee Activities
• Professional Growth

HAP Alaska Yukon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability or protected veteran status.