Lead Chef de Cuisine — High-Volume Kitchen, Seasonal Menus

Trailborn Hotels & Resorts; Highlands (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (with company contribution)

Dental (with company contribution)

Vision (with company contribution)

Paid Time Off

401(k) (with company match)

Sick Time

Employee Dining Discounts

Employee Marketplace Discounts

Job summary

Trailborn Highlands is seeking a Chef de Cuisine to lead daily kitchen operations at Highlands Supper Club. You will coach the culinary team, ensure food safety, and uphold high standards of quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction across all dining outlets.

You will work hands-on, contribute to seasonal menus, and collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences while maintaining efficiency and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Culinary leadership experience and coaching ability.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Proven ability to manage and develop a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to maintain high standards in quality, portion control and plating.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring efficient prep and execution of all menu offerings.
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion standards across service periods.
• Work hands-on on the line and support team during service for smooth operations.
• Assist with seasonal menu development and recipe execution with the Director of Food & Beverage.
• Ensure recipes, plating standards, and clean, safe workspaces are followed.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate cooks, prep cooks, and stewards.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

Staff coaching

Communication

Problem-solving

Plating & presentation

ServSafe certification

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Trailborn Highlands is seeking a Chef de Cuisine to lead daily kitchen operations at Highlands Supper Club. You will coach the culinary team, ensure food safety, and uphold high standards of quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction across all dining outlets.

You will work hands-on, contribute to seasonal menus, and collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences while maintaining efficiency and compliance with safety standards.