LOCAL Task Force Sous Chef, Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa is seeking an experienced Task Force Sous Chef to provide hands-on culinary leadership and operational support during a temporary assignment. The ideal candidate is an experienced culinary professional who can quickly step into a leadership role, support the Executive Chef and culinary team, and maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, sanitation, and service. This is a local task force assignment. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to Santa Cruz for the duration of the assignment.

Responsibilities

Assist the Executive Chef with the daily operation of the culinary department; Lead and supervise culinary team members during assigned shifts; Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portion control, and execution; Assist with menu execution and daily specials; Monitor food preparation, cooking, and plating standards; Maintain proper food safety, sanitation, and health department standards; Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, and proper product rotation; Monitor food costs and minimize waste; Train, coach, and develop culinary team members; Help manage staffing, scheduling, and daily labor needs; Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment; Step in and work hands-on during high-volume service periods; Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership and other departments to ensure a successful guest experience; Address operational challenges quickly and professionally; Perform other culinary and leadership duties as assigned

Requirements

Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or similar culinary leadership position; Strong knowledge of high-volume hotel, resort, restaurant, or banquet operations; Proven ability to lead and motivate culinary teams; Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations; Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment; Excellent communication and organizational skills; Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed; Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred, but equivalent professional experience will be considered; LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY; Candidate must currently reside within reasonable commuting distance of Santa Cruz, California; Travel expenses to Santa Cruz will not be provided; Hotel accommodations will not be provided during the assignment; Candidates are responsible for their own transportation, commuting expenses, and lodging if needed; Must be available to work the full agreed-upon task force assignment

Nice to have

Culinary degree; formal culinary training

Benefits

401k with company match; recognition programs