Executive Sous Chef: High-Volume Kitchen & Mindful Menus

Esalen Institute; California (MO); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on-site

All meals provided

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Esalen Institute is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume culinary team in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. You will oversee 250–300 meals per service, 3 times daily, ensuring safety, quality, and cost efficiency while empowering a 20-person staff and collaborating with leadership on menu design and farm partnerships.

The role emphasizes hospitality, staff development, and adaptable problem-solving within a collaborative team focused on nourishing residents and

Qualifications

• 5 years verifiable competency in management positions focused on high volume operations and large staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and manage the preparation of buffet style meals for approximately 250-300pp, 3 times a day, in a timely manner
• Supervises kitchen staff of 20 employees
• Direct the efficient running of kitchen operations
• Plans and handles the procurement, production, preparation and presentation of all food at Esalen in a safe, sanitary, and cost effective manner
• Inventorying, ordering, receipt and accounting of food and supplies from external vendors and Esalen’s farm and garden
• Assists in menu preparation – ensuring dynamic and diverse menus including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options
• Manages employees during the shift and ensures standards of behavior and guest care
• Train all kitchen staff in their duties and required skills
• Collaborate with leadership to hire, train, develop, empower, coach and discipline as appropriate
• Control waste and spoilage through attention to detail
• Preparation and delivery of food for Esalen events and catering
• Learn staff scheduling and payroll
• Monthly orientation and training of work scholars
• Daily staff/student check-ins and weekly kitchen staff meetings
• Communication with upper management and other departments
• Work with Farm and Garden around produce and Menu design

Skills

Staff management

Communication

Leadership

Flexibility

Guest service

Job description

Esalen Institute is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume culinary team in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. You will oversee 250–300 meals per service, 3 times daily, ensuring safety, quality, and cost efficiency while empowering a 20-person staff and collaborating with leadership on menu design and farm partnerships.

The role emphasizes hospitality, staff development, and adaptable problem-solving within a collaborative team focused on nourishing residents and