Executive Chef- Hope Valley Country Club

Bobby Jones Links; Hope Valley West (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hope Valley Country Club in Durham, North Carolina, seeks an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation of a premier private club. The role is highly visible, relationship-driven, and focused on delivering exceptional member dining and event experiences.

The Executive Chef will guide staff development, ensure food safety, manage budgets and menus, and play a critical role in the 2027 Donald Ross Golf Course Restoration, with clubhouse dining remaining open.

Qualifications

• Three–Five years of progressive experience as an Executive Chef or equivalent as a Sous Chef in private clubs, resorts, or high-volume hotels.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety guidelines.
• Understanding budget, inventory, and labor management.
• Ability to properly develop and cost out menus.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, club POS systems and golf operational software.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to lead a golf operation through a significant golf course renovation or comparable transformational project.

Responsibilities

• Possesses leadership aligned with the club's culture and builds authentic relationships with members and staff.
• Delivers exceptional member dining experiences.
• Maintains a visible, engaging presence and fosters accountability and professional growth.
• Partners with F&B Director, AGM, Catering Sales, and Member Services to deliver dining and event experiences.
• Manages dining menus and food inventory; attends club management staff meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Food safety

Communication

Staff development

Tools

Excel

Word

POS systems

Golf software

Job description

Established in 2000 and headquartered at our Club Support Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Bobby Jones Links is a club management and development company rich in resources and expertise serving private, resort, daily fee, and public courses. At the core of everything we do is our commitment to serving people. We have spent more than two decades building a vibrant company culture that delivers the lifestyle, camaraderie, and experiences that members and customers desire and the environment in which our employees will thrive.Hope Valley Country Club, located in Durham, North Carolina, and managed by Bobby Jones Links, was founded in 1926. Hope Valley is an elite private club featuring a classic Donald Ross designed golf course, state-of-the-art tennis facility, resort-style pool complex, and a spacious, welcoming clubhouse offering its members first-class recreation, dining, and programming. Hope Valley is ideally situated in the heart of one of Southeast’s most vibrant, exciting areas.Hope Valley Country Club is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation at one of North Carolina's premier private country clubs. Now in its Centennial year, this historical club is seeking a dynamic and engaging professional to provide exceptional leadership and elevate the dining experience.The Executive Chef serves as the primary face and ambassador of Hope Valley Country Club’s culinary program. This position is a highly visible, relationship-driven leader with a passion for hospitality and a proven record of success in a premier private club environment. Through exceptional service, authentic member engagement, and strong leadership, this individual will foster a welcoming culture while preserving the traditions that have defined Hope Valley Country Club for nearly a century.The Executive Chef will play an imperative role in assisting the club through its comprehensive 2027 Donald Ross Golf Course Restoration. Although the course will be closed for approximately ten months, clubhouse and dining operations remain open and the focal point of member engagement.JOB RESPONSIBILITIESPossesses a leadership style that aligns with Hope Valley Country Club’s culture and values, fostering authentic and meaningful relationships with members, staff, and guests.Delivers exceptional member experiences.Maintains a visible, engaging, and approachable presence throughout the Club, through genuine interaction and active involvement.Actively engages regularly with members to generate program enthusiasm.Inspires, develops, and empowers team members while fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and shared success.Partners with the Food & Beverage Director, AGM, Catering Sales, and Member Services to deliver exceptional member dining and event experiences.Exhibits the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and work ethic, thriving in a dynamic, high-touch environment while maintaining a positive and approachable demeanor.Communicates with confidence, diplomacy, and professionalism while maintaining a highly visible presence that inspires trust, confidence, and engagement throughout the membership.Manage and maintain the Club’s dining menus and food inventory.Attend club management staff meetings.REQUIREMENTSThree - Five years of progressive work experience as an Executive Chef or equivalent work experience as a Sous Chef in private clubs, resorts, or high-volume hotels.Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.Comprehensive knowledge of Food Safety guidelinesUnderstanding budget, inventory, and labor management.Ability to properly develop and cost out menus.CORE COMPETENCIESExcellent leadership, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.Possesses a deep understanding of the expectations associated with leading a premier A la Carte and Banquet operation and a proven ability to deliver experiences that reflect the highest standards of excellence.Proficiency in Excel, Word, club point of sales systems and golf operational software.Demonstrates strong financial acumen, including expertise in budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and long-term fiscal stewardship.Proven ability to lead a golf operation through a significant golf course renovation or comparable transformational projectPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENTLong periods of standing and stooping.Occasionally exposed to wet and humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat.Capable of meeting and fulfilling the physical requirements while effectively working in an environment typical for this position.Frequent lifting (up to 50 pounds), bending, climbing, stooping, and pulling.