Winery Chef - Oregon Brands

Ste Michelle Wine Estates; Newberg (OR); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the wine sector is seeking a Winery Chef to craft exceptional culinary experiences that pair beautifully with their renowned wines. This role involves menu development, food management, and collaboration with a passionate team to deliver high-quality dining experiences. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, a knack for inventory management, and a commitment to excellence in hospitality. Join a dynamic environment where your culinary creativity will shine and contribute to unforgettable moments for guests in the picturesque North Willamette Valley.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Discounts on Wine & Merchandise

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of commercial culinary experience; catering experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-quality, seasonally relevant menus that highlight Oregon Brands wines.
• Manage all aspects of a weekly All-Company lunch for 50-75 people.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Menu Development

Inventory Management

Microsoft 365 Proficiency

Team Collaboration

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Teams

Job description

WINERY CHEF

As the Winery Chef, you will develop, manage, and execute the culinary offerings for A to Z Wineworks, Erath & REX HILL, the Oregon Brands of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. You will lead with a focus on excellence in hospitality, collaborating with stakeholders to create unique culinary experiences in the North Willamette Valley. Skilled in both solo and team settings, you will highlight our wines through exceptional culinary programs. Your responsibilities include developing and preparing retail tasting room menus, quarterly event menus, weekly company meals, daily harvest team meals during our harvest season, trade visit programming, and other food and wine experiences. Additionally, you will manage food inventories, maintain food program margins, oversee kitchen equipment and supplies, ensure a safe and compliant environment, and provide direction and mentorship to staff. The role is based at our REX HILL Winery in Newberg and will also support our Erath Tasting Room in Portland's Pearl District.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Menu Development & Preparation
   • Develop, maintain, and consistently deliver high-quality, seasonally relevant Pacific Northwest inspired menus that pair with and highlight our Oregon Brands wines.
   • Collaborate directly with management and stakeholders to develop and maintain a seasonally relevant menu for tasting room culinary programs.
   • Train kitchen, event, and support staff in methods of preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
2. Support Internal Staff Food Programs
   • Manage all aspects of a weekly All-Company lunch for 50-75 people.
   • Prepare meals for internal meetings, trade visits, and company events.
   • Prepare daily Harvest Meals throughout the harvest period, typically in September-November.
3. Food & Supplies Management
   • Collaborate with management to define and implement record keeping and inventory par levels across all Oregon Brands kitchens.
   • Place food and supply orders to ensure appropriate supply levels and quality, minimizing waste.
   • Manage kitchen expenses, recommend pricing, and maintain a maximum 25% food cost margin across all revenue streams and menus.
4. Kitchen Facility Management
   • Ensure all kitchen areas are stocked, hygienic, and compliant with health standards.
   • Partner with facilities to address issues related to cleaning and equipment functionality.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of four years of commercial culinary experience; catering experience is a plus.
• Winery experience is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Experience in maintaining food inventory, tracking, and reporting costs.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 45 pounds regularly.
• Flexibility to work Wednesday through Sunday, with occasional evening or alternate day events.
• Must obtain OLCC and food handler's cards by start date.

Your Compensation:

• $28 - $32 per hour DOE

We believe in paying our employees equally for equal work. Offers depend on prior experience and education.

Other Benefits:

• Health, Life, Vision, Dental, and Short-Term Disability insurance.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, and holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee wine & merchandise discounts.

The Oregon brands of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates include A to Z Wineworks, REX HILL, and Erath, each with a long-standing reputation for quality Oregon wines. We value our vineyards and the art of winemaking, offering extraordinary wines from prime regions.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit E-Verify.