Executive Chef

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

3 meals per day

Health & dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc. seeks an experienced Executive Chef for a remote coastal resort on the Central Coast of California. You will lead high-volume culinary operations and direct a kitchen team in a purpose-driven wellness retreat environment.

You will oversee farm-to-table menus, manage budgets, and ensure exceptional dining experiences for up to 300 guests per meal, while living on-site in a private coastal condo.

Qualifications

• 3+ years at executive culinary management, luxury/restrictive environments.
• Farm-to-table dining and dietary accommodation experience.
• Strong leadership and staff development track record.
• Ability to operate in remote coastal setting, 1.5 hours from amenities.
• Experience with budgeting, inventory, and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-quality meals for 250–300 guests daily year-round.
• Lead and mentor kitchen team including Sous Chefs and line cooks.
• Design creative farm-to-table menus with on-site farm team.
• Manage procurement, inventory, food costing, and budgets.
• Ensure safety and sanitation per California Health Codes.

Skills

Executive leadership

Farm-to-table dining

Budgeting & cost control

High-volume operations

Staff development

Job description

A distinguished, upscale resort with a wellness focus along the Central Coast of California is seeking an experienced, innovative Executive Chef. Set upon a picturesque 100+ acre oceanfront property in a remote coastal setting, this exceptional location offers a unique environment where high-end hospitality meets purpose-driven human development, educational programs, and transformative growth.

This position is ideal for a grounded culinary leader who thrives in a collaborative community atmosphere and wants to contribute to something greater than themselves. The role provides a rare chance to direct high-volume culinary operations serving up to 300 guests per meal in an upscale, nature-focused retreat environment. Living on-site in a private 1.5-bedroom coastal accommodation, the Executive Chef will lead a dynamic kitchen team, integrate daily harvests from an 8-acre farm and garden, and align culinary execution with the organization’s core vision.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the preparation and execution of high-quality meals 3 times per day, 365 days a year, for approximately 250 to 300 guests and staff.
• Lead, mentor, and schedule a comprehensive culinary staff including 2 Sous Chefs, 12 Line Cooks/Kitchen Personnel, a Food & Beverage Manager, culinary externs, work scholars, and utility staff.
• Design creative, varied, and elevated menus utilizing farm-to-table principles in close collaboration with the on-site 8-acre farm and garden team.
• Seamlessly accommodate diverse dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, without sacrificing quality or taste.
• Manage procurement, inventory, food costing, kitchen equipment maintenance, and overall culinary operating budgets.
• Establish and enforce kitchen systems, procedures, and safety/sanitation standards in accordance with California State Health Codes to ensure operational efficiency and consistency.

Position Requirements

• 3+ years of executive-level culinary management experience, ideally overseeing high-volume culinary operations and large kitchen teams within luxury resorts, wellness retreats, or high-end dining establishments.
• Demonstrated expertise in farm-to-table dining and accommodating specialized dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of developing staff, fostering a positive workplace culture, and building operational systems.
• High adaptability and readiness to manage culinary operations in a remote environment where full-service amenities are roughly 1.5 hours away.
• Proven budget management, food costing, inventory, and kitchen scheduling experience.
• Ability to reside on-site in a remote coastal location.

Compensation Package Details

• Base Salary Range: $110,000 - $130,000 per year
• On-Site Housing: Private 1-bedroom coastal condo provided on-site.
• Meals: 3 complimentary meals per day provided on-site.
• Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive employer-provided health and dental coverage, plus access to personal development programs.
• Paid Time Off: Generous accrued paid time off and holiday pay package.