Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Looking for Chef De Cuisine – ‘AMA’AMA Signature Fine Dining at Ross, CA Full Time

Create and inspire the culinary vision and strategic direction for all front of house and heart of house/culinary teams in a large geographic operating area. Provide coaching and guidance to sous chef, guest service managers and hourly cast members. Serve as the steward and gatekeeper to maintain the integrity of the storyline and role in the show for all restaurants.
Integrate key change initiatives for Ama Ama Culinary team including sustainability work, cost of sales improvement, health & wellness initiatives, reduction of kitchen waste, site integration initiative goals. Monitor product quality by tasting food, observing dining rooms, and by regularly speaking with Cast Members and Guests. Create / develop unique food offerings and set trends and innovative unique culinary experiences. Ability to interpret industry trends while inspiring and influencing Cast members. Responsible for menu design and productivity and cost pressures with the market variation. Interact with third party vendors, pricing marketing and procurement and finance.

Responsibilities :

• Provide leadership, development, support and motivation to salaried direct reports creating a positive environment that encourages ownership and accountability and meets or exceeds business results
• Develop a strategy to exceed Guests’ diverse culinary expectations and needs
• Responsible for menu development and working with OI/LOB teams to operationalize new menu concepts
• Inspire the creation of cutting edge cuisine
• Provides direction for culinary education for all sous chef and culinary cast members.
• Understand how to leverage the Aulani Resort and Disney history/heritage to drive innovative business solutions
• Serve as a leader that instills the Disney Culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Serve as a representative and agent of the Aulani & Disney brand
• Oversee and manage all financial profit and operating expenses including revenue generation, cost containment and resource optimization for the business. Oversee budgets, labor management.
• Encourage an inclusive climate of interactions, invite diverse perspectives and ideas, and seek involvement based on transparency, inclusivity and guest centricity in day to day activities
• Serve as a change agent, taking calculated risks to integrate processes, remove barriers and align performance goals. Influence key partners and Cast to ensure execution of strategic plans.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with all vendors, local restaurateurs and Resort partners to provide a seamless Guest Experience
• Utilize reports to develop new and higher quality, service and product standards
• Attract and retain a diverse talent and oversee talent planning functions
• Mentor and share professional and culinary expertise, as well as depth of experience with Cast
• Model professionalism and leadership
• Foster a positive environment that builds community and trust by supporting the delivery of Five Keys Basics and modeling the Disney Leader Basics
• Ensure safety and sanitation levels are upheld in accordance with State of Hawaii and WDP&R standards and regulations
• Provide leadership to ensure consistent, high quality Guest Service standards within the operation through coaching and accountability measures while promoting innovation and creativity in an environment that welcomes and embraces change
• Develop and nurture a relationship and partnership with the Front of the House and Resort partners as well as strategic partners to provide a seamless Guest Experience

Basic Qualifications :

• Minimum 5 years of culinary management experience
• Possess superb communication skills
• Ability to educate and demonstrate fundamental and advanced cooking skills
• Experience in managing financial profit, operating expenses, budgets, labor management, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and develop a diverse team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to develop, motivate, mentor and coach
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry trends
• Proven communication and partnering skills
• Computer savvy
• Food Safety Certification
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment
• Proven experience in developing annual operating plans
• Demonstrated ability to work with and develop a diverse team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate in Culinary Arts or formal apprenticeship program (Or Tenure Work Equivalent)
• Advance Culinary Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree)
• Current or previous culinary experience in Hawaii
• Attained Food Safety Certification

Required Education :

High school degree or equivalent

Preferred Education :

read more