Head Chef - Hotel Kitchen Leader & Menu Innovator

DoubleTree by Hilton Gainesville; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Exclusive global hotel discounts

Career growth opportunities

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Naples Hotel Group in Gainesville, FL seeks a Head Chef to lead culinary operations, collaborating with the Food & Beverage Manager to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests. This hands-on leadership role guides the culinary team while upholding safety, quality, and presentation standards.

You will drive menu development, oversee inventory and scheduling, and ensure seamless operations during peak periods, holidays, and events.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a culinary leadership role, preferably in a hotel, resort, or upscale dining setting.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and inspire a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of urgency, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-department collaboration skills.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support menu development for the restaurant, banquets, holidays, and events.
• Ensure all items are prepared to standard with consistent taste, quality, and presentation.
• Lead the culinary team; recruit, train, coach, and evaluate performance.
• Maintain food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation across all kitchen areas.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor coordination; submit weekly orders.
• Prepare weekly staff schedules and monitor labor standards.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety compliance

Menu development

Team training & coaching

Inventory management

Communication skills

ServSafe certification

Education

Culinary degree or certification

ServSafe certification or equivalent

Job description

Naples Hotel Group in Gainesville, FL seeks a Head Chef to lead culinary operations, collaborating with the Food & Beverage Manager to deliver exceptional dining experiences for guests. This hands-on leadership role guides the culinary team while upholding safety, quality, and presentation standards.

You will drive menu development, oversee inventory and scheduling, and ensure seamless operations during peak periods, holidays, and events.