Executive Chef

Description and Qualifications

The Firetower Executive Chef is responsible for creating a 5-star culinary experience and atmosphere for every guest, every time. Each day they must focus on quality, execution, and consistency. The Executive Chef’s primary leadership role extends beyond outstanding food and atmosphere to also outstanding systems that support our great teams and operations that lead to our 5-star experience, brand equity and success. The Chef will report to their scheduled shift daily at 1:00 pm unless operations require an earlier start.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.   Other duties may be assigned.

• Create a 5-star culinary experience and atmosphere for all guests on a daily basis

• Directly responsible for operating finances of the restaurant department including achieving established profit goals, food cost goals, staffing performance and labor margins.

• Menu development, training and implementation

• Presents dishes for approval to Director of Food and Beverage and/or VP of Food and Beverage

• Welcomes and fosters a culture of consistent feedback and drives concept that is determined by the Beall family

• Maintain positive, working vendor relationships

• Hires, trains, and supervises all culinary staff

• Acts as a Blackberry Mountain Culinary representative at outside events

• Work with Proprietor and Marketing on all culinary-related PR material, magazine and newspaper features

• Manages the food and beverage ordering, inventory, and costs along with the culinary staff

• Develop, implement, and manage the measurement, evaluation and accountability system for direct reports and areas of responsibility

• Provide Leadership in the Strategic Plan process and follow up for Blackberry Mountain

• Helps manage restaurant supply needs such as china, flatware, to go packaging, chemicals and equipment

Must comply with all company policies and procedures.

To perform the essential functions of this position regular and consistent attendance is required.

Must be able to work well with other Team Members and managers and interact with our guests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Pastry Chefs and Ware Washers

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution and 4-5 years experience directly in the restaurant or hotel food and beverage field or 7-9 years experience in the above areas

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a hospitality-related field, required for a Director’s position

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential

• Must be able to communicate effectively with guests, managers, and team members

• Must be able to coach team members to improve performance and focus 

• Must speak with confidence and authority in representing Blackberry as a 5-Star Property

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills imperative 

• Able to understand and interpret complex financial statements and reports with an eye toward improving performance

• Excellent understanding of overall P & L required with a specific focus on food and beverage cost management

 REASONING ABILITY

• Must be able to exercise judgment and make decisions based on job knowledge and awareness of company goals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May require long periods of sitting and standing

• Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle or golf cart

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Professional Kitchen & Office

• 5,200 acres of Blackberry Mountain property

About Blackberry

Blackberry Mountain, a Relais & Châteaux property, continues a legacy of world-renowned hospitality and unwavering dedication and appreciation for the land. Our team on the Mountain embodies a rich and diverse range of experience, knowledge and expertise. Every day on the Mountain, Southern hospitality meets outdoor lifestyle in an unparalleled hospitality and guest experience.

A career at Blackberry means being surrounded by a welcoming and supportive team who strive each day toward common goals: legendary hospitality, memorable experiences and generational sustainability.

From ensuring our guests have a memorable stay to providing renowned cuisine, Blackberry provides career-defining opportunities, a comprehensive benefits program, and the tools to explore and grow your career. Some of our benefits include travel perks and property benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off with additional paid holidays, health insurance and flexible spending accounts, 401k match with profit share and training and education.

Blackberry Mountain is an Equal Opportunity Employer.