Executive Chef - Innovative Dining and Events Leader

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company/1:

Sonesta Hotel Discounts

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Parental Leave

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Sonesta Columbus is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the hotel’s culinary vision and operations. You will drive innovative menus, oversee banquets, catering, room service, and special events, while inspiring a high-performing culinary team and ensuring top-notch guest experiences.

You will partner with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Sales, and Operations leaders to maintain brand standards, control costs, and deliver memorable dining experiences that reflect Sonesta’s People People culture.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or formal training preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in hotels, restaurants, resorts, banquets, or high-volume hospitality environments.
• Previous Executive Chef, Sous Chef, or senior culinary leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, banquet operations, catering, menu development, inventory management, and kitchen operations.
• Experience managing food costs, labor management, budgeting, purchasing, and operational performance metrics.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with the ability to motivate and inspire culinary teams.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP standards, sanitation practices, and health department compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across hotel restaurants, banquets, catering, room service, bars, and special events.
• Develop innovative menus, seasonal offerings, catering packages, and food concepts that align with brand standards and guest preferences.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, quality assurance, sanitation, and kitchen operations to ensure exceptional dining experiences.
• Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and develop culinary team members while fostering a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
• Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory control, purchasing, menu pricing, and kitchen budgets to drive profitability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, HACCP guidelines, and health department requirements.
• Partner with Banquets, Catering Sales, Food & Beverage, and hotel leadership teams to execute meetings, weddings, conferences, and special events successfully.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Team leadership

Food safety & HACCP

Education

Culinary degree or formal training

Job description

Sonesta Columbus is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the hotel’s culinary vision and operations. You will drive innovative menus, oversee banquets, catering, room service, and special events, while inspiring a high-performing culinary team and ensuring top-notch guest experiences.

You will partner with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Sales, and Operations leaders to maintain brand standards, control costs, and deliver memorable dining experiences that reflect Sonesta’s People People culture.