Job Description

Job Summary

Summit Skywalker Ranch is seeking an experienced, dynamic Executive Sous Chef to lead the culinary operations for this unique experiential retreat. The ideal candidate will have multi-outlet experience, including luxury restaurants, short orders, banquets, offsite catering, and private estate events. This role requires strong leadership, with the ability to engage and present confidently to groups of all sizes, from 2 to 500 guests. The Executive Sous Chef will oversee the preparation of restaurant-quality meals for large groups, ensuring efficient service and consistency.

As a cross-functional leader, the Executive Sous Chef will collaborate with other departments, including the Winery, olive oil production, and Wagyu operations. In addition to kitchen responsibilities, the role involves assisting with client site inspections, creating customized culinary experiences, and contributing to Summit Skywalker Ranch's overall talent and culture. This is a unique opportunity to significantly impact inside and outside the kitchen.

Key Areas of SPL Focus:

Accountable for the overall success of the daily kitchen operations and F&B outlets front and back of the house. Exhibits culinary talents by personally performing tasks while leading the staff and managing all food & beverage-related functions. Works to continually improve guest and employee satisfaction while maximizing financial performance in all areas of responsibility. Supervises all kitchen & outlet areas to ensure a consistent, high-quality product is produced. Responsible for guiding and developing staff including direct reports. Must ensure sanitation and food standards are achieved. Areas of responsibility comprise overseeing all food & beverage service areas (e.g., banquets, room service, restaurants, bar/lounge, spa, pool, employee meals) and all support areas (e.g., stewarding and purchasing).

Job Responsibilities

Skywalker Ranch Core Work Activities

• Collaborate with the Winemaker, Executive Director, and F&B Manager on wine-focused menu development, tastings, and personal wine education.
• Oversee food permits for all outlets at Skywalker Ranch & Summit Skywalker Ranch.
• Manage food quality, cost, menus, staff engagement, training, and continuous education.
• Oversee food quality, selection, and overall amenities.
• Collaborate with the team to plant seasonal crops for daily use in all outlets.
• Partner with the Skywalker Cowboy & Executive Director to optimize raising, distribution, and financial results of Wagyu for use in all outlets.

Summit Key Duties

• Develop and manage food concepts, identity, and menus tailored to each outlet and group.
• Integrate wine pairings into menus.
• Oversee operational setup, menu development, costing, recipe testing, and service SOPs.
• Lead recruitment, training, and continuous education for kitchen staff.
• Develop and enforce guidelines and control procedures for purchasing and receiving.

Private Estate Key Duties

• Assist the Estate Chef with logistics, team training, and supervision, and ensure adherence to dietary restrictions and approved menus.
• Occasional travel to Southern California for special events and needs.

Leading Kitchen Operations

• Support the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, providing direction, and filling in for absent staff as needed.
• Set performance standards, monitor progress, and guide the team to achieve operational objectives.
• Lead by example to encourage cooperation, trust, and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Oversee staffing levels to ensure optimal guest service and financial results.
• Conduct daily walk-throughs to ensure compliance with health regulations and corporate standards.
• Implement progressive discipline within the kitchen team.

Setting & Maintaining F&B Standards

• Ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, and sanitation, including monitoring raw and cooked food products.
• Oversee menu development, food costing, and presentation standards. Ensure compliance with food handling and safety standards.
• Manage food purchasing, receiving, and storage practices to maintain consistency and quality.

Customer Service Excellence

• Engage with guests to obtain feedback, resolve complaints, and ensure exceptional service.
• Train and guide staff to meet guest expectations and improve service behaviors.
• Manage day-to-day operations to meet customer expectations and foster a positive atmosphere.

Human Resources Management

• Mentor and coach staff, administer performance appraisals and provide feedback to improve skills and performance.
• Ensure fair treatment of staff and support disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Provide ongoing training for kitchen staff and collaborate with the Sales & Events team for food knowledge and menu training.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support operations related to Wagyu, olive oil, the organic garden, and the winery as required.

Requirements:

Education / Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of previous supervisory/management experience in a kitchen.
• BA Degree, Culinary Degree, or equivalent preferred
• Demonstrated ability and experience in coaching staff and contractors to achieve an environment of cooperation, service, teamwork, and trust.

Required Skills / Competencies:

• Demonstrated positive, strong customer service interest, skills, and experience.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Experience leading a team
• High level of flexibility, and ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work overtime later shifts, and weekends.
• This level of position requires a professional tone, attitude, and the utmost level of confidentiality.

Preferred Skills / Competencies:

• Financial discipline achieving cost-efficiency and working within established budgets are required.
• Impeccable integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Extremely well organized with excellent time management and follow-up skills.
• Strong business acumen and excellent judgment regarding priorities.
• Highly attentive to details.
• Self-motivated individual with high initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to work well independently.
• Willing to pitch in and assist employees as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Mature and polished professional with an upbeat, client-service-oriented demeanor.
• Comfortable interfacing discreetly with senior-level executives, political figures, and individuals with high net worth.

Physical Requirements:

• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period.
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.

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