Executive Chef

Hawks-Cay-Resort; Duck Key (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Employee Meals & Resort Discounts

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

Hawks Cay Resort in Marathon, FL seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary team across banquets, room service, restaurants, and resort events. You will craft menus featuring Florida Keys flavors, supervise kitchen operations, and drive guest satisfaction through high quality food and service.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in culinary leadership within resort settings, strong leadership and communication skills, and a passion for creativity, accuracy in costing, and working flexible hours

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary degree strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership, with 2–5 years in exec chef roles in resort/hotel.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Command of the English language.
• Basic math for costing, forecasting and reporting.
• Creative culinary vision focused on quality and guest satisfaction.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all food-related operations including banquets, room service, restaurants, pool/beach dining, and events.
• Create and execute innovative menus utilizing fresh, local ingredients reflecting Florida Keys flavors.
• Supervise food prep, presentation, plating, and quality control across venues.
• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate culinary department personnel.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory, and purchasing effectively.
• Collaborate with stewarding, purchasing, sales, front office, and other departments.
• Maintain records of personnel performance, labor costs, overtime, and reports.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Executive kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Food cost control

Staff training

Communication

English proficiency

Cost forecasting

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree preferred

5+ years culinary leadership experience

Job description

Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd
Marathon, FL 33050, USA

• Oversee all food-related operations including banquets, room service, restaurants, pool/beach dining, and special events.
• Create and execute innovative menus utilizing fresh, local ingredients that reflect the flavors of the Florida Keys.
• Supervise food preparation, presentation, plating, and quality control across all culinary venues.
• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate all culinary department personnel.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory, and purchasing effectively.
• Collaborate closely with stewarding, purchasing, sales, front office, and other departments.
• Maintain accurate records of personnel performance, labor costs, overtime, and departmental reports.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary graduate from an accredited school strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, with a minimum of 2–5 years as Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a resort or full-service hotel environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written and verbal).
• Command of the English language.
• Basic mathematical skills for costing, forecasting, and reporting.
• Creative culinary vision with a focus on quality and guest satisfaction.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Good hearing and vision (with or without corrective lenses).
• Ability to lift at least 60 pounds occasionally.
• Acute sense of taste and smell.
• Ability to stand and work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment for extended periods.
• Competitive salary + performance bonus potential
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Meals & Resort Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Hawks Cay Resort is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace for all.