Executive Chef

Talently; Sedona (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Talently in Sedona, AZ, seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead its luxury wellness resort’s culinary operation. This hands-on role blends creativity with operational and financial discipline to deliver Forbes-level dining experiences in a world-class setting.

You will drive wellness-focused menus, mentor a high-performing team, manage costs, and collaborate with resort leadership to elevate guest experiences through seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine.

Qualifications

• Must have luxury resort/fine dining culinary leadership experience.
• Ability to create wellness-focused menus with seasonal ingredients.
• Proven track record in managing food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen profitability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations in a luxury wellness environment.
• Develop innovative, wellness-focused menus with seasonal/local ingredients.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team; foster a positive kitchen culture.

Skills

Luxury resort leadership

Menu development

Team & financial management

Job description

Location: Sedona, AZ (Relocation Assistance)

Salary: BOE+ Bonus (Up to 15%)

Skills: Luxury Hospitality, Executive Chef Leadership, Wellness Cuisine, Menu Development, Culinary Operations, Team Development, Food & Labor Cost Management, Purchasing & Inventory, Seasonal / Farm-to-Table Cuisine, High-End Guest Experience

About Company / Opportunity:

A highly acclaimed luxury destination wellness resort in Sedona, Arizona is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead its culinary operation. This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious hospitality environment known for exceptional guest experiences, personalized service, wellness programming, and an extraordinary natural setting.

The culinary program is an integral part of the overall guest experience, with a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, thoughtful presentation, wellness-focused cuisine, seasonal products, and highly personalized service.

The Executive Chef will be responsible for leading the property's culinary operation while helping shape and evolve its culinary identity. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who can combine creativity and culinary excellence with strong operational and financial discipline.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Culinary Operation: Oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution within a luxury wellness environment.
• Drive Menu Development: Create and evolve innovative, wellness-focused menus utilizing seasonal, local, and high-quality ingredients.
• Lead & Develop the Team: Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team while creating a positive and accountable kitchen culture.
• Manage Financial Performance: Control food and labor costs, purchasing, inventory, scheduling, and departmental budgets while maintaining luxury standards.
• Elevate the Guest Experience: Develop unique culinary experiences, special events, retreats, and programming that complement the property's overall luxury and wellness offerings.
• Maintain Luxury Standards: Ensure culinary operations consistently meet Forbes-level, five-star hospitality, food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Build Vendor & Local Relationships: Develop strong partnerships with farmers, purveyors, and local suppliers while maximizing seasonal and locally sourced products.
• Collaborate Across the Property: Partner with resort leadership, wellness, events, marketing, and other culinary teams to create a cohesive and elevated guest experience.

Must-Have Skills:

• Luxury Resort / Fine Dining Culinary Leadership – Proven experience leading culinary operations in a luxury hotel, resort, destination property, or high-end restaurant.
• Menu Development & Wellness Cuisine – Strong ability to create elevated, seasonal, health-conscious menus aligned with a luxury wellness experience.
• Team & Financial Management – Demonstrated success leading culinary teams while managing food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory, and overall kitchen profitability.

Nice to Have Skills:

• Luxury Wellness / Spa Experience – Experience working in a wellness resort, destination spa, or health-focused culinary environment.
• Farm-to-Table & Local Sourcing – Strong knowledge of seasonal ingredients, sustainable practices, and relationships with local farmers and purveyors.
• Culinary Programming & Special Events – Experience developing unique culinary experiences, chef-driven events, tastings, retreats, or other programming for luxury guests.