Executive Chef (Cotino™) at Disney Experiences

Serve as the head Chef for the Artisan Club while creating and inspiring the culinary vision and strategic direction for all front of house and heart of house/culinary teams for multiple Storyliving by Disney™ communities to deliver exceptional “World-Class” dining experiences within a private club environment. 

Work closely with internal and external partners to develop, implement and maintain initiatives across the Storyliving by Disney™ brand such as sustainability work, cost of sales, health & wellness, and reducing kitchen waste. Help develop unique food offerings, innovative culinary experiences, set trends and outstanding culinary experiences for Club Members within various styles of service including table service and events. Responsible for menu concepts, design and productivity and cost pressures with the market variation. Ability to interpret industry trends while inspiring and influencing key partners. Provide coaching and mentorship to all levels of the HOH team under your day-to-day direction. Serve as the steward and gatekeeper to maintain the integrity of the storyline and role in the show for all dining locations. This role may require occasional travel.

This role will be onsite at Cotino™, A Storyliving by Disney™ community in Rancho Mirage, California and will report to the Vice President/General Manager, Cotino™ and Artisan Clubhouse Manager.

What You Will Do

• Responsible for facility development oversight for new sites including developing overall strategy for culinary programming, included but not limited to, food and beverage equipment selection and procurement, process improvements, menu development. Work with business teams to operationalize new concepts.
• Responsible for all day-to-day culinary operations to ensure culinary excellence in preparation and presentation and quality of food products at the Artisan Club.
• Develop Food & Beverage vision and strategic direction in alignment with our business executives’ vision for new Clubs within Storyliving by Disney™ communities.
• Develop various menus that are regionally relevant, innovative, seasonally correct and ensures adherence to the role in the show cuisine concept while striving to exceed member’s diverse culinary expectations and needs.
• Collaborate with various internal and external partners to develop high-quality service and product standards with the understanding of the location’s pro forma.
• Drive the results of, and report out on financials, cost of sales, Operating Expenses, Labor; hold Direct Reports accountable for daily operations and business results.
• Control of all variable line items relating to food production budget.
• Provide leadership, coaching, guidance, development, support and motivation to all levels of HOH while creating a positive environment that encourages ownership and accountability.
• Inspire/Educate Cast Members and Members on trends, lifestyles and special dietary needs with consideration of product, equipment and cost.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are followed accurately to create a safe food preparation and dining experience at all locations.
• Champion product and equipment sourcing by partnering with Sourcing and Procurement.
• Develop successful culinary teams and provide the tools to deliver exceptional food experiences.
• Attract and retain a diverse talent and lead all aspects of talent planning functions.
• Champion compliance of Global Food & Beverage and Loss Prevention Standards, adherence to State and The Walt Disney Company Food Safety & Cast/Guest Safety Standards.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of ten years of culinary management experience leading a culinary management team.
• Ability to educate and demonstrate fundamental and advanced cooking skills.
• Proven knowledge of private club and events industry trends.
• Extensive knowledge in local, regional, and worldly cuisines; exceptional guest relations skills; exceptional employee relations skills; strong organizational skills; computer skills proficiency.
• Proven experience in developing annual operating plans.
• Demonstrated effective management of labor costs in relation to business needs and trends.
• Thorough understanding of financial reports including labor; ability to effectively direct and manage all facets of the kitchen.
• Demonstrated project management experience in organizing, planning and driving large-scale projects from conception through implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and developing people and the ability to establish rapport and/or influence and gain understanding of others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Food Safety Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in private/social clubs and/or fine dining restaurants.
• Previous experience in intimate and large-scale catering/banquet and events.
• Ability to speak and present to large groups of people, including but not limited to Guests and company executives.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Inspire creativity and innovation.
• Previous experience in table service and quick service restaurants.
• Multi-lingual.

Preferred Education:

• Associate in Culinary Arts or formal apprenticeship program (Degree in culinary arts and/or other hospitality management focus)
• Advance Culinary Degree (Bachelor's or Master's Degree)
• Bachelor or Master of Business Administration
• Required Education: High School degree or equivalent.

Our Benefits: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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The hiring range for this position in Rancho Mirage is $137,200 to $183,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered