Executive Chef

Canyon Ranch; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Canyon Ranch in Tucson, AZ seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary program across all outlets, elevating guest experiences through culinary standards, mentorship, and operational excellence. You will oversee food quality, safety, labor optimization, and menu innovation, partnering with Front of House and Corporate Food & Beverage to deliver wellness-driven, memorable dining.

This role demands strategic leadership and a passion for guest well-being.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience at executive chef or senior culinary leadership level.
• Strong financial acumen in labor, food cost, and budgeting.
• Passion for mentoring and developing culinary professionals.
• Creativity balanced with operational discipline.
• Deep knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and lead with confidence.

Responsibilities

• Train and mentor culinary team in standards and SOPs.
• Lead onboarding, coaching, and performance development.
• Conduct hands-on training in food safety, technique, plating, and ingredients.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Direct and manage kitchen staff across multiple outlets.
• Optimize labor and food costs while maintaining operational excellence.
• Create staffing plans aligned with business needs.
• Conduct evaluations, manage performance, and uphold company policies.
• Develop and execute seasonal, guest-focused menus.
• Collaborate with nutrition, marketing, and F&B leadership to align offerings with brand standards.
• Ensure consistency in quality, creativity, taste, and presentation.
• Keep menus fresh, relevant, and aligned with guest expectations.
• Maintain immaculate production areas and ensure full compliance with health regulations.
• Implement systems for sanitation, food safety, and waste control.
• Partner with purchasing and engineering to maintain high-functioning kitchen operations.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost management

Mentoring

Food safety

Cross-functional collaboration

Creativity

Regulatory compliance

Education

Associate degree or two-year culinary training

Job description

Overview

Canyon Ranch guides the pursuit of wellbeing on a path through immersive destinations to a lifetime of proven answers. We inspire your well way of life through Integral Answers, Personal Guidance, Lifetime Impact and Evidence-based Progress.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead and elevate our culinary program across all outlets of service. This is more than a kitchen leadership role - it's an opportunity to shape an exceptional guest experience, mentor culinary talent, and drive operational excellence at the highest level.

If you are passionate about innovation, team development, quality standards, and delivering memorable dining experiences, we invite you to bring your creativity and leadership to our team.

You will oversee the successful operation of all culinary areas, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, cost management, sanitation, and production. You'll partner closely with Front of House leaders and the Corporate Food & Beverage team to deliver a seamless and elevated guest experience across every outlet.

Lead. Inspire. Elevate the Culinary Experience.

Develop & Inspire Talent

• Train and mentor culinary team members in the execution of Culinary Standards and SOPs
• Lead onboarding, coaching, and performance development initiatives
• Conduct hands-on training in food safety, technique, plating, and ingredient knowledge
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Lead High-Performing Teams

• Direct and manage kitchen staff across multiple outlets
• Optimize labor and food costs while maintaining operational excellence
• Create staffing plans aligned with business needs
• Conduct evaluations, manage performance, and uphold company policies

Drive Menu Innovation

• Develop and execute seasonal, guest-focused menus
• Collaborate with nutrition, marketing, and F&B leadership to align offerings with brand standards
• Ensure consistency in quality, creativity, taste, and presentation
• Keep menus fresh, relevant, and aligned with guest expectations

Ensure Operational Excellence

• Maintain immaculate production areas and ensure full compliance with health regulations
• Implement systems for sanitation, food safety, and waste control
• Partner with purchasing and engineering to maintain high-functioning kitchen operations
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and efficiency

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader (6 - 10 years)
• Strong financial acumen (labor management, food cost control, budgeting)
• Passion for mentoring and developing culinary professionals
• Creativity balanced with operational discipline
• Deep knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and lead with confidence

Why Join Us?

This is your opportunity to lead a culinary program that values innovation, wellness, collaboration, and exceptional guest experiences. You'll have the support of a strong leadership team, the resources to create inspiring menus, and the platform to build and mentor a talented culinary brigade.

You're ready to lead with purpose and elevate every plate that leaves the kitchen - we'd love to meet you.

Education: Associate degree or two-year equivalent specialized training or experience required

Certifications: Serve Safe Manager Certification is required