Guest-First Chef de Cuisine | Elevate Dining

Estancia La Jolla; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance benefits

Hotel/restaurant discounts

Matching 401k

On-Demand Pay

PTO

Complimentary parking

Meals

Job summary

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in San Diego seeks a Chef de Cuisine to support the Executive Chef by directing culinary operations across the hotel's kitchens, ensuring food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction while maintaining safety and profitability.

The ideal candidate brings culinary leadership, formal training, 2+ years in a senior kitchen role, strong communication and mentoring skills, and a track record of managing high-volume production in a luxury hotel setting.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved Culinary Program or Apprenticeship.
• Associates/Bachelors degree in Culinary Arts preferred.
• At least two years of experience with increasing responsibility in culinary management as Chef de Cuisine (or comparable position).
• Solid knowledge of high-quality culinary operations and hotel service standards.
• Ability to lead and coordinate staff in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Mentor and train staff to meet/exceed guest expectations and satisfaction.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecast, safety, and compliance in culinary operations.
• Ability to monitor labor and staffing to meet business needs.
• Strong customer service/communication skills to work with guests.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work AM/PM/weekend/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all culinary operations for the hotel in collaboration with the Executive Chef.
• Plan, prepare, produce, and present food to meet brand standards and guest expectations.
• Manage subordinates, supervise managers, and develop team performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitor costs, budgets, and profitability; analyze forecasts and reports.
• Engage with guests to monitor satisfaction and address concerns.
• Plan menus with Food & Beverage leadership based on trends and regional tastes.

Skills

Guest relations

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Customer service

Education

Culinary program or apprenticeship

Associate/Bachelor degree in Culinary Arts

Job description

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa in San Diego seeks a Chef de Cuisine to support the Executive Chef by directing culinary operations across the hotel's kitchens, ensuring food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction while maintaining safety and profitability.

The ideal candidate brings culinary leadership, formal training, 2+ years in a senior kitchen role, strong communication and mentoring skills, and a track record of managing high-volume production in a luxury hotel setting.