Executive Chef, Valley Goat

Treehouse Sunnyvale, L.L.C.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Starwood Hotels is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen, delivering locally-sourced, unforgettable dishes under the guidance of Chef Stephanie Izard. The role requires strong leadership, culinary innovation, and a commitment to sustainability across sourcing, waste diversion, and zero-waste initiatives.

You will supervise a diverse culinary team, manage cost controls, and partner with hotel management to ensure exceptional guest experiences while meeting sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• High school or vocational coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety.
• Culinary school degree preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a Chef De Cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Supervisory responsibilities: Oversight of Stewards, Prep Cooks, Pastry Chef, Pastry Team, Line Cooks, Sous Chefs.
• Collaborate daily with Chef Stephanie Izard and hotel management to ensure seamless restaurant operations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and farmers to source high quality ingredients following Chef Stephanie’s standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented exactly as specified by Chef Stephanie Izard.
• Monitor kitchen performance, ensuring consistency in food preparation, presentation, and safety practices.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement to operate efficiently.
• Communicate a clear vision to the culinary team and provide training to execute to specification.
• Conduct recipe and menu costing to ensure financial efficiency while maintaining quality.

Skills

Sanitation knowledge

Food handling techniques

Fish and meat handling

Sauce and stock making

Sustainability and waste diversion

MS Office (Excel/Word/Outlook)

High-paced environment

Food quality oversight

Team collaboration

Education

High school or vocational kitchen coursework

Culinary school degree preferred

2 years experience as Chef De Cuisine

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Overview

Grow with us. Life at Starwood Hotels is based on the simple idea that the world is beautiful and we want to keep it that way. We hire thoughtful and inspiring Team Members and Leaders who understand the importance of collaboration, stellar service, and respect for nature.

We’re looking for a seasoned Executive Chef who thrives in a mission‑driven environment, creates change through culinary innovation, and is a proven and effective leader. The role demands a talent for imagining unique, locally‑sourced, unforgettable dishes.

Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversight of Stewards, Prep Cooks, Pastry Chef, Pastry Team, Line Cooks, Sous Chefs.

• Uphold and maintain the culinary standards and service quality set by Chef Stephanie Izard.
• Collaborate daily with Chef Stephanie Izard and hotel management to ensure seamless restaurant operations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors and farmers to source and secure the highest quality ingredients, following Chef Stephanie’s curated standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented exactly as specified by Chef Stephanie Izard.
• Monitor kitchen performance, ensuring consistency in food preparation, presentation, and safety practices.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement, ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently while using the best available products.
• Communicate a clear vision to the culinary team and provide training to fully execute to specification.
• Conduct recipe and menu costing to ensure financial efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Continue education of service staff on all menus, including highlights, talking points, allergens, possible modifications, and notable product sources.
• Communicate with restaurant guests and clients in a friendly and professional manner.
• Oversee the ordering and inventory of food, equipment, and supplies relevant to daily operations.
• Guide, train, and develop team members in an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Lead daily rallies with both front and back of the house.
• Write team‑member schedules based on business levels, type of guest, and business needs.
• Analyze monthly financial reports to assess food and labor costs.
• Properly train and lead the team on waste diversion practices.
• Meet sustainability standards and goals for the venue, including ingredient sourcing, waste diversion, and zero‑waste dishes.
• Help plan and execute one pay‑it‑forward event per year.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of sanitation and regulations for workplace safety.
• Extensive knowledge of food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of fish and meat handling, cleaning, and portioning.
• Extensive knowledge of sauce and stock making (e.g., Hollandaise, broths).
• Advanced sustainability and waste diversion knowledge.
• Technical knowledge of Excel, Word, Outlook, and related platforms.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a high‑paced, stressful environment.
• Ability to oversee food quality and consistency on all prepped items.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain personal hygiene.

Education and Experience

• High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety (preferred).
• Culinary school degree preferred.
• 2 years of experience as a Chef De Cuisine.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of standing and working in a kitchen. Exposure to extreme heat, steam, and cold. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times. Must be able to work early mornings, late nights, and unpredictable hours. Manual dexterity to cut and chop foods and perform other related tasks.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Starwood Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in a diverse, sustainable workforce with an empowered, inclusive culture. We are committed to non‑discrimination on any protected basis covered under applicable law. If you require any special accommodations, please visit People Operations.

Salary: $120,000.