Chef De Cuisine

World Equestrian Center; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Equestrian Center seeks a Chef De Cuisine for White Willow to lead culinary operations and drive excellence across menu development, quality, and service in a fast-paced resort setting.

You will partner with the Resort Executive Chef to craft seasonal menus, manage costs, ensure safety and sanitation, and oversee a talented kitchen team delivering memorable dining experiences for guests and events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in culinary leadership with multi-cuisine expertise.
• Expertise in Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
• Proficient in wok cookery, robata grilling, and tempura.
• Strong leadership, training, and team development skills.
• ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain guest service standards and operate calmly under pressure.
• Hire, train, motivate, and coach the culinary team.
• Develop and implement seasonal menus with quality and presentation.
• Control labor costs and operating expenses via scheduling and inventory.
• Ensure sanitation standards per company and regulations.
• Maintain quality control and monitor food shipments.
• Facilitate team and management communication for smooth operations.
• Address guest feedback and take corrective actions.
• Plan and execute special events and private dining to generate revenue.
• Oversee inventory and ordering to minimize waste.
• Provide exceptional VIP dining experiences.

Skills

Strong leadership

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Cost control & budgeting

Food safety & sanitation

Team training & development

Communication

ServSafe Certification

Job description

The World Equestrian Center is looking for a talented Chef De Cuisine to join our team at White Willow! This is a department head position within the Food & Beverage Division, responsible for making key operational management decisions and leading the restaurant's culinary operations.

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Chef to lead our culinary team. As Chef De Cuisine, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards in food quality, consistency, and presentation. In collaboration with the Resort Executive Chef, you will help develop and execute seasonal menus, manage food costs, and maintain strict kitchen hygiene and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering exceptional dining experience and possess strong culinary expertise, including demonstrated skill in Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines. Hands-on proficiency with wok cookery, robata grilling, and tempura preparation and station execution is required. Leadership abilities and the capacity to inspire and guide a team of culinary professionals are essential for this role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Performance: Maintain attention to detail, speed, and accuracy; organize and follow up effectively. Ensure guest service needs are met, remain calm under pressure, and resolve problems efficiently.
• Leadership: Hire, train, evaluate, motivate, and coach the culinary team. Maintain cultural and core standards while overseeing daily operations.
• Planning: Develop and implement seasonal menus, ensuring quality preparation and presentation of food.
• Financial Oversight: Control labor costs and operating expenses through effective scheduling, budgeting, purchasing decisions, and inventory control.
• Sanitation: Ensure compliance with sanitation standards set by the World Equestrian Center, local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
• Consistency & Standards: Maintain quality control systems, monitor food shipments for compliance with specifications, and emphasize food preparation quality.
• Communication: Facilitate communication within the team and with management to ensure smooth operations.
• Guest Feedback: Address guest feedback regarding food quality and service, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Special Events: Plan and execute special events and private dining experiences that generate revenue and create memorable guest moments.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory and ordering, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• VIP Relations: Provide exceptional dining experiences for high-profile guests, ensuring their expectations are exceeded.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

Required Knowledge, Education, and Skills

• Verbal and Written Communication: Strong communication skills are essential.
• Experience: 5+ years in a culinary leadership role, with demonstrated expertise in Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines.
• Culinary & Kitchen Expertise: Advanced proficiency in wok cookery, robata grilling, and tempura preparation, along with in-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, equipment, and facilities.
• Detail-Oriented: Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Research & Development: A passion for enhancing culinary experiences.
• Leadership: Proven leadership, teaching, coaching, and training skills.
• Labor Relations: Familiarity with laws regarding equal employment, safety, wage, and labor relations.
• Certifications: ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance Certification required.

Physical Requirements

• Standing/Walking: Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, and perform physical tasks such as kneeling, crouching, and climbing.
• Lifting: Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision & Hearing: Must have good vision for close work and good hearing ability.
• Endurance: Ability to sit for up to 8 hours a day.

The World Equestrian Center is managed by Columbus Hospitality Management, a company committed to providing quality service and memorable guest experiences in a positive and welcoming work environment. We are focused on supporting the needs of our team through our commitment to the family/work-life balance and by providing development opportunities. We are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace/EOE. All applicants will be required to submit a background check prior to employment.