Culinary Team Lead - [YR] Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

Dollywood Parks & Resorts; Pigeon Forge (TN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN is hiring a Culinary Services Supervisor to oversee unit operations and ensure high-quality food and guest service.

The role requires 1 year of food service, 6 months supervisory experience, ServSafe Manager Certification, and proficiency with Word/Outlook/Excel. You will manage inventory, scheduling, payroll, and safety compliance across locations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum 1 year of Food Service experience.
• Minimum 6 months of supervisory experience.
• Must obtain ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Able to complete a post-offer background check and drug screening.
• Scheduling and payroll software experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in unit operations to meet goals with quality service.
• Ensure high-quality food and proper portion control.
• Enforce health, safety, and Start Fresh standards.
• Lead inventory control, rotation, and waste management.
• Monitor cost of sales and labor to drive profitability.
• Oversee staff performance and conduct evaluations.
• Handle cashier duties and PCI-compliant card transactions.
• Coordinate cross-location coverage within the park.

Skills

Food Service

Supervisory Experience

Inventory Control

Team Leadership

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Tools

Point of Sale System

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Posting Details

• Posted on November 5, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

• Rate: $21 USD per hour
• Food
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: CULIN011051

Description

This position exists to assist in the successful and profitable operation of the unit or group of units assigned by identifying and implementing Culinary Services department and Dollywood goals and policies, through the supervision of employees to ensure the successful follow through of goals while providing our Guests with the highest quality in product with courteous, friendly, and efficient service in a neat, clean, and professional environment.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Acts as quality assurance inspector, ensure food is high quality
• Enforces preparation/food handling standards which ensure designated portion control
• Completes and monitors Safety Critical Checklists daily
• Complies with health department and food service department policies
• Knows, understands, and enforces the use of the "Start Fresh" program when necessary
• Ensures all products are presented to guest in a visually appealing and appetizing manner
• Supervises the following areas to ensure maximum control yielding high profitability in these areas:
  • Inventory Control - responsible for maintaining a proper level of inventory at all times; ensure units are not stock-piling food/supplies, keep par sheets up-to-date with only current items listed, all units have proper specifications, amounts of food and paper supplies
  • Rotation - products are rotated for maximum freshness using the FIFO (First in, First out) method
  • Portion Control - all hosts know and understand the recipes and portion in preparing each unit's menu, constantly inspecting and spot-weighing portion sizes
  • Waste Control - waste is kept to a minimum by not over producing, avoiding accidents, and properly storing and handling food
  • Analysis - review cost of sales analysis of all food products sold
  • Budget - achieves budgetary goals for food cost and labor expense
  • Enforce/administer all Company and departmental policies regarding grooming, costuming, nametags, conduct, call-ins, etc.
• Conducts employee performance evaluations
• Organizes and develops a well-trained, efficient staff whereby, when promotions are available, qualified people are also available
• Analyzes usage of labor to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency and collaborate with the scheduling team to correlate labor hours and sales volume in proportion
• Monitors cash overages and shortage daily and in accordance with company guidelines, taking action if necessary
• Responsible for completing credit card transactions in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security standards
• Ensures unit is organized and maintained in a sanitary manner; ensure proper cleaning schedules are followed
• Available/willing to work at different locations on park
• Follows All Host Safety Standards and General Safety Training guidelines and uses associated injury prevention measures
• Suspends operations when continuation would be inconsistent with Safety Standards or Procedures or presents a safety hazard to Guests or Hosts

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• A minimum of 1 year of Food Service experience
• A minimum of 6 months of supervisory experience
• Must be able to obtain ServSafe Manager Certification
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and a working knowledge of Excel
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
• Must be able to successfully complete a post-offer background check and drug screening
• Experience with scheduling and payroll/time keeping software preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to project Dollywood's image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in their work
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must be willing to constantly improve
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must promote and support a "team" work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• Must adapt to changes easily
• Must tolerate a fast-paced environment
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to make decisions
• Able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
• Sense of urgency
• Able to display and live out our "Lead with Love" principles strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture by being: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, and dedicated
• Able to smile and make eye contact to make a friendly impression when greeting guests, vendors and other employees
• Must promote and support a team environment
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to prioritize tasks and complete assignments on time
• Able to carry out the execution of ingredient measurements, portion control, time and temperature tables, and compilation of food safety check sheets
• Able to use equipment such as, but not limited to, Point of Sale System, calculators, knives, fryers, grills, oven, brooms, mops, sinks, dough machine, wedgers, dollies, rolling racks, dish machines, steam tables, warmers, mixers, etc
• Must be able to work and tolerate temperatures ranging from 0 to 120 degrees
• Must comply with all Health Department, ServSafe, and Dollywood Company regulations pertaining to safe food handling practices

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

• Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50lbs. utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe lifting
• Mobility:Position may require intermittent toprolongedsitting,standingand/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours. Employees may alsobe requiredto travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain,stairsand uneven surfaces
• Repetitive Movements:This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands,armsor other body parts as part of typical job functions
• Environmental Conditions:This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees maybe requiredto work indoors and outdoors
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements:This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process andretaininformation, have attention todetailand communicate effectively using approved methods
• Able to sit and/or stand for long/short periods
• Must have manual dexterity necessary to complete all job duties

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.