Executive Chef

Cape Resorts; West Cape May (NJ); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the culinary field is seeking a passionate Executive Chef to lead their culinary team. This role involves designing innovative menus that highlight local, fresh ingredients, and overseeing all aspects of food and beverage operations. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for sustainability and farm-to-table practices, along with strong leadership skills to ensure high standards of quality and consistency. Join a team that values creativity and excellence, and play a key role in delivering memorable dining experiences in a picturesque setting.

Benefits

Employee Discounts

Health Insurance

Flexible Scheduling

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in a kitchen supervisory role.
• At least five years of professional kitchen experience.
• Farm-to-table experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designing and executing seasonal menus emphasizing local ingredients.
• Overseeing preparation and delivery of all farm functions and events.
• Maintaining an up-to-date recipe database.

Skills

Culinary Innovation

Menu Planning

Problem-Solving

Multitasking

Sustainable Practices

Education

High School Diploma

Culinary Education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Property:Beach Plum Farm

Department:Food and Beverage
Position:Executive Chef
Reports To:General Manager

Position Overview

Beach Plum Farm is seeking a passionate and skilled Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee all food and beverage operations. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu creation, costing, and the seamless execution of our farm-to-table dining experiences, events, and functions.

About Beach Plum Farm

Nestled in the picturesque town of Cape May, New Jersey, Beach Plum Farm is a 62-acre working farm dedicated to regenerative farming practices and sustainability. For over a decade, we have been committed to growing produce, raising livestock, and sourcing ingredients that are not only fresh but also environmentally responsible. Our ethos revolves around connecting our guests to the land through immersive culinary and agrarian experiences.

We are thrilled to share that our property has recently been recognized with a prestigious Michelin Key for our beautifully appointed cottages, which offer guests a unique opportunity to stay amidst the serene beauty of the farm. This honor reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence in hospitality, sustainability, and the farm-to-table experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Executive Chef include, but are not limited to:

• Designing and executing seasonal menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, emphasizing local, fresh, and farm-sourced ingredients.
• Planning and costing menus for special events, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Overseeing the preparation and delivery of all Beach Plum Farm functions and events.
• Maintaining an up-to-date and precise recipe database.
• Conducting monthly inventories and ensuring proper food rotation and storage practices.
• Collaborating with the agriculture team to coordinate planting schedules and ingredient sourcing.
• Participating in departmental meetings and pre-shift huddles to ensure team alignment.
• Cooking in both structured kitchen settings and ad-hoc “live-fire” environments.
• Ensuring high standards of quality and consistency across all culinary operations.
• Adapting to a flexible schedule, managing competing deadlines, and remaining composed in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude with colleagues and supervisors.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Key Traits for Success

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following qualities:

• Creativity and passion for culinary innovation.
• A proactive, “can-do” work ethic.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a love for tackling challenges.
• Flexibility and adaptability in menu creation and execution.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities.
• The ability to balance macro-level planning with micro-level attention to detail.
• Highly organized with a focus on pre-planning and precision.
• Efficient and self-motivated, taking initiative in all areas of the kitchen.
• Deep passion for local, seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table practices.
• Knowledge of sustainable farming and agricultural practices.
• Grit, humility, and openness to feedback and growth.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; culinary education is a plus.
• Minimum of three years in a kitchen supervisory role.
• At least five years of professional kitchen experience.
• Farm-to-table experience preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Strong understanding of basic mathematical concepts, including fractions, percentages, and ratios.

Join Our Team

At Beach Plum Farm, we believe in celebrating the connection between the land, the table, and the people who bring it all to life. If you are a passionate culinarian with a deep appreciation for sustainability and excellence, we invite you to apply and become part of our award-winning team.