Chef De Cuisine

Rancho Valencia Resort

5921 Valencia Circle
Rancho Santa Fe , CA 92067

Resort Apply Now Save this job SHARE THIS JOB Email Tweet Facebook LinkedIn Compensation: $85,000 to $90,000 per year , Full-Time Job Type Full-time Description Summary

The Chef de Cuisine at The Pony Room is responsible for driving a culture of excellence and ensuring that all dishes are executed consistently and to World Class standards. The ideal candidate is hands on; has extensive technical culinary knowledge and an unwavering passion to mentor, teach and inspire their team.

Perks

• Belong to a Globally Recognized Five Star Luxury Resort.
• Work at the only Relais & Chateaux Property in Southern California
• Have access to: Direct & Established Relationships with Local Farmers, Ranchers, and Fishermen
• 45 Acres of Edible Landscape
• Spacious & Highly Equipped Kitchen
• Supportive, Professional, Industrious and Inspired Team
• Highest Standards and Expectations
• Mentorship and Education

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage the culinary team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Develop and execute menus that are creative, innovative, and reflective of the local market.
• Ensure that all dishes are executed to the highest standards of quality and consistency, using the freshest and finest ingredients available.
• Manage food and labor costs, ensuring that the restaurant is operating within budget.
• Foster a culture of excellence in the kitchen, promoting creativity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, vendors, and suppliers to source the best possible ingredients.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, techniques, and technologies, and incorporate them into the restaurant's offerings.
• Work collaboratively with the front of house team to create exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure that all kitchen equipment is maintained and in good working order.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and receiving of products.
• Develop and maintain relationships with industry professionals and media, to increase awareness and visibility of the restaurant.

Requirements Qualifications

Required

• Proven track record of culinary excellence, with a deep understanding of local ingredients and culinary techniques
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with other departments
• Creative and innovative mindset, with the ability to develop and execute new concepts and ideas.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing food and labor costs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Full availability, with a focus on PM operations
• 5-star resort experience preferred but not necessary
• A degree in culinary arts or a related field is a plus.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.

Desirable

• Familiarity with the Spanish language.
• Serve Safe Certification.

Skills

Required

• Advance culinary skills, knife skills, cooking methods, meats, fish, vegetables, soups, sauces, butchering, product identification, preparing stocks, expediting
• Garde Manger and baking skills.
• Supervisory skills, able to make rational decisions in a calm, timely manner and maintain established quality standards.
• Experience in the administration side of the kitchen.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work long hours.
• Knowledge of kitchen terminology.
• Knowledge of products, uses and availability.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current food trends.
• High level of creativity.

Travel Requirments

• Some travel is required for training, conferences, and special events.

Physical Demands

• Frequent or occasional need to perform the following physical activities: reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting, and climbing. Have frequent need to perform standing and walking activities related to inspecting property.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: grasping, turning, finger dexterity.
• Occasional need to stand for long periods of time.
• Lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision requirements: constant need to view small print. Frequent need to see small details and things clearly beyond arms reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to speak on telephone and/or two-way radio, respond to general public and converse with staff. Ability to hear fire alarms and emergency equipment.
• Must be in good physical condition to stand for 8 consecutive hours, walk, kneel.

Salary Description $75,000 annually, Medical, Dental, 401K, vacation Posted July 2, 2025