Executive Sous Chef - FT

Driftwood Hospitality Management; Durham, Raleigh (NC, NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Room Discounts

Employee Food and Beverage Discounts

Job summary

Driftwood Hospitality Management is seeking a Lead Culinary Executive for Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC. You will guide the kitchen team across outlets and events, crafting creative menus with seasonal ingredients and ensuring high standards of quality and service.

The role emphasizes leadership, budget adherence, staff development, and collaboration with hotel operations to drive guest satisfaction and profitability.

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-volume hotel kitchen operations.
• Strong cost control and budgeting capabilities.
• Proven ability to create appetizing menus and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team across outlets, banquets, and room dining.
• Develop menus using local and seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee procurement, production, and presentation with food-safety compliance.
• Mentor staff and drive training, staffing, and performance reviews.
• Monitor inventory and food costs to optimize profitability.
• Collaborate on capital projects and kitchen initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Staff mentoring

Operations management

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: 700 - Raleigh RTP Marriott - Durham, NC 27703Position Type: Full TimeJob Shift: Any

Come join the team at Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park, conveniently located on the edge of Morrisville, NC! Whether you're looking to grow your hospitality career or take the next step in a welcoming, team-focused environment, we'd love to meet you. Be part of a hotel committed to exceptional guest service and professional development.

Driftwood Hospitality Management's company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services - all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.

JOB SUMMARY

Lead Culinary team to consistently execute at a high level, develop and implement creative menus for outlets and catering focusing on driving revenues, using local and seasonal inspired items when appropriate, create thoughtful presentations showcasing foods . Develop and mentor kitchen team, oversee all kitchen operations that include procurement, production, preparation and presentation, develop recipes and cost controls, plating specifications, line checks, production schedules, cleaning duties for the hotels in a safe and sanitary work environment which conforms to all standards and regulations and achieves profitable, competitive, quality products.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Consistently offers professional, engaging and friendly service
• Oversee daily operations of the Kitchen department, including the following culinary areas: Banquets, Outlets, In Room Dining, Staff Cafeteria and Stewarding
• Responsible for the execution of the hotel's Strategic Plan as it relates to all culinary areas;
• Role models our service promises and ensures all reporting departments have a keen focus on delivery of our service essentials;
• Develop and prepare menus suitable to each of the aforementioned areas, balancing creativity and guest requests while ensuring leading edge presentation and food quality;
• Maintain food and beverage standards through the use of standardized food recipes and safe food handling practices;
• Optimize the profitability levels through consistent monitoring of inventory levels, food cost controls and the strategic and innovative promotional initiatives and regular assessment of the food product versus value perceived;
• Use Driftwood’s labor management tools to set and monitor staffing levels and productivity targets with the goal of ensuring a balance between service and profitability
• Prepare weekly schedules, ensuring productivity levels are maximized through the effective utilization of all colleagues and providing hands on support as required
• Responsible for maintaining staffing levels through proactive recruiting;
• Ensure that performance management and colleague training/development occurs in a timely and consistent manager;
• Active involvement in the development and implementation of kitchen & restaurant capital projects
• Participate in the weekly operational meetings, including the Banquet Event review;
• Ensure full compliance to Hotel operating controls and seek innovative ways to improve performance regularly;
• Oversee the menu creation of our staff restaurant to ensure the highest quality of product for our internal customers;
• Promote teamwork within the Kitchen department and maintain strong working relationships with all supporting departments;
• Participate in media and community opportunities to showcase food and beverage products and promote the hotel.
• Ensure all municipal and state laws regarding hygiene and security are respected, as well as ensuring that colleagues adhere to all health and safety requirements;
• Personally respond to food-related feedback and ensure proper processes and reports are produced
• Ensure that all kitchen equipment is in good working order and is properly maintained;
• Actively participates in the hotel's Department Head and Food & Beverage meetings, holds regular departmental communication meetings and supports participation of colleagues in the various hotel committees

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experienced in high volume catering with hotel top brands and fine dining
• Proven leadership and managerial skills supporting an environment of colleague growth and development, interdepartmental teamwork and exceptional customer service;
• Current on all culinary trends and active in the furthering of his/her own culinary development
• Extremely creative with strong service skills and demonstrated ability to energize a diverse team of culinary professionals;
• Proven financial planning skills with the ability to analyze date and trends and implement strategies for improvement;
• Fully supportive of and cognizant of all Corporate programs;
• Experience and comfort with television and other media promotional venues;
• Computer literate;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to stand, walk and/or sit and continuously perform essential job functions for an eight-plus hour shift.
• Frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching, standing, walking,
• Frequent talking, hearing, seeing and smiling.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Room Discounts
• Employee Food and Beverage Discounts

EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.