Mountain Resort Chef Lead - Culinary Excellence

Alterra Mountain Company; South Lake Tahoe (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free skiing/ride access

Healthcare options

Gear/retail discounts

401(k) plan match

Lift ticket discounts

Job summary

Alterra Mountain Company’s Palisades Tahoe venues seek a Chef to lead culinary operations at Gold Coast or High Camp, overseeing kitchens, concepts, and food production. You will guide menu development, maintain quality, and lead a team to deliver exceptional hospitality while controlling costs and ensuring safety.

The role emphasizes building a positive employee experience, collaborating with front-of-house leadership, and driving waste-reduction initiatives in a high-volume mountain setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, or culinary School graduate, or equivalent with progressive growth in the culinary field.
• Five years kitchen management and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years supervisory experience.
• Must have or be able to obtain CA Food Handlers Card; state health/alcohol compliance card required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Culinary Operations: establish and maintain standards for food quality, production, productivity, sanitation, hospitality, and guest service.
• Build a strong employee experience: create an inclusive, engaging workplace focused on hospitality and teamwork.
• Develop and coach culinary staff with clear expectations and feedback.
• Drive guest experience by coordinating with Front of House and venue leadership.
• Oversee menu development, recipes, production standards, and seasonal offerings.
• Manage food costs, inventory, waste reduction, and production planning.
• Ensure safety and sanitation compliance with Palisades Tahoe standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Culinary operations

Menu development

Food production

Cost controls

Food safety

Staff training

Waste reduction

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or culinary school

CA Food Handlers Card

Job description

Alterra Mountain Company’s Palisades Tahoe venues seek a Chef to lead culinary operations at Gold Coast or High Camp, overseeing kitchens, concepts, and food production. You will guide menu development, maintain quality, and lead a team to deliver exceptional hospitality while controlling costs and ensuring safety.

The role emphasizes building a positive employee experience, collaborating with front-of-house leadership, and driving waste-reduction initiatives in a high-volume mountain setting.