Executive Chef

Marcus Hotels & Resorts; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Head bonus program

Room discounts

Discounts at Marcus venues

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with employer match

Job summary

HOTEL PASEO, Autograph Collection in Palm Desert seeks an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across outlets and banquets, evolve menus, and drive food and labor cost performance.

As part of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, the role offers a boutique desert retreat with 150 rooms, vibrant dining options, and opportunities to mentor a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an Executive Chef in high-volume operations.
• Formal culinary training preferred.
• Strong leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience managing budgets, labor, and cost controls.
• ServSafe or equivalent food-safety certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across outlets and banquets with brand standards.
• Manage budgeting, labor, inventory, and cost controls.
• Design and evolve menus based on trends, seasonality, and events.
• Recruit, train, and develop culinary team; maintain high-performance culture.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and service execution.
• Maintain food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with internal teams and external vendors.
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of back-of-house areas.
• Collaborate on strategic initiatives and guest experience improvements.
• Engage with guests and clients for events.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Culinary skills

Team development

Food safety

Operations management

Education

Culinary training

Tools

Inventory software

Job description

If you are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a boutique luxury environment, and are driven to create exceptional guest experiences, an exciting opportunity awaits in the heart of Palm Desert. At HOTEL PASEO, Autograph Collection, contemporary sophistication blends seamlessly with the relaxed energy of the desert, creating a destination that is both vibrant and refined. We are seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about their craft and driven by the details that elevate every guest experience. In this role, you’ll lead all culinary operations across multiple outlets and banquet functions, continually evolving menus, developing your team, and managing food and labor costs to drive performance.

Part of the Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts portfolio, HOTEL PASEO offers guests a distinctive desert retreat featuring 150 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, many showcasing breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains and palm-lined landscape. Guests can unwind by our resort-style pool and on-site spa, explore the area on complimentary bicycles, and enjoy inspired dining at Larkspur Grill, Lemon Drop Pool Bar or Café Paseo. Located along world-renowned El Paseo, our boutique hotel places guests steps from premier shopping, art galleries, acclaimed restaurants, and vibrant nightlife while serving as the perfect gateway to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and oversee all culinary operations, ensuring brand standards, quality, and consistency across outlets and banquets
• Manage departmental financial performance, including budgeting, labor, inventory, and cost controls
• Design and evolve menus based on trends, seasonality, and business needs, including special events and banquets
• Recruit, train, develop, and manage culinary team members, maintaining a high-performance and accountable culture
• Direct daily kitchen operations, including scheduling, production, and service execution to meet demand and standards
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and compliance with company, brand, and regulatory requirements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams (F&B, stewarding, banquets) and external vendors
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and maintenance of all back-of-house areas and equipment
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic initiatives, budgeting, guest experience, and operational improvements
• Engage with guests and clients as needed to support events, enhance experiences, and represent the property externally
• Perform other duties as assigned

What do you bring to the role?

• 5+ years of Executive Chef experience, ideally in high-volume operations with broad knowledge of global and regional cuisines
• Formal culinary training preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and effectively engage staff and stakeholders
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining professionalism and composure
• Strong operational knowledge of food products, kitchen equipment, and culinary techniques
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with strong organization and attention to detail
• Financial and analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and interpreting reports
• Proficiency in basic computer systems for inventory, menu development, and operational management
• Physically able to meet the demands of the role, including extended standing, lifting up to 100 lbs., and working in varying kitchen conditions, with required food safety certifications (ServSafe or equivalent)

What’s in it for you?

• Eligible for department head bonus program
• Room discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts and Marriott worldwide locations
• Discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts restaurants, cafes, lounges, golfing, skiing, and spa
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (offered after 1 month of employment), company-paid life insurance, employee assistance program offer, and 401k with employer match
• Ability to grow your career and transfer from one property to another
• And more!

Salary Estimate: starting at $120,000/year

About Us:

A division of The Marcus Corporation, Marcus Hotels & Resorts has a rich 60-year history of operational and service excellence. We are "People Pleasing People" who strive daily to create extraordinary experiences for guests and associates alike. Focused on expanding our U.S.-based portfolio of 18 hotels and resorts, our properties are known for their unique character and style.

Note: This document describes the general nature and level of work required of people in the job. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, duties, and skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer and maintain a drug free work place.

This organization uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the US.