Executive Chef - Hotel Californian

Job Description

Description:

Position Overview

Located in the heart of Hotel Californian, this Forbes-level luxury destination blends Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with modern sophistication, offering a highly curated guest experience across dining, events, and resort amenities.

We are seeking a visionary and operationally disciplined Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations across the property. This role is responsible for setting the culinary direction, driving innovation, and ensuring exceptional execution across all outlets, including signature restaurants, banquets, in-room dining, and special events.

The Executive Chef will serve as a strategic business partner to property leadership, fostering a culture of excellence while delivering elevated, guest-centric culinary experiences aligned with the Hotel Californian brand and Foley Hospitality Group standards.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Vision & Brand Leadership

Define and execute the overall culinary vision for Hotel Californian, ensuring alignment with luxury brand standards

Lead menu development across all outlets with a focus on seasonality, local sourcing, and elevated presentation

Create distinctive, memorable dining experiences that enhance the hotel’s positioning as a premier culinary destination

Partner with Food & Beverage and Marketing teams on concept evolution, activations, and programming

Multi-Outlet Operations & Execution

Oversee all culinary operations, including restaurants, banquets, catering, in-room dining, and pool/service outlets

Ensure consistency, quality, and execution across all service periods and touchpoints

Establish and enforce culinary standards, recipes, and plating guidelines

Drive operational excellence in prep, production, and service flow

Financial Performance & Business Strategy

Own and manage kitchen P&L performance, including food cost, labor cost, and profitability

Develop budgets, forecasts, and cost-control strategies aligned with business objectives

Optimize purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory management

Identify revenue opportunities through menu engineering, events, and strategic programming

Leadership & Team Development

Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing culinary leadership team across all outlets

Develop Sous Chefs and kitchen leaders through mentorship, coaching, and succession planning

Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement

Partner with People & Culture on recruiting, performance management, and team engagement

Guest Experience & Collaboration

Champion a guest-first mindset, ensuring all culinary offerings exceed expectations

Collaborate closely with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless, luxury-level service

Engage with VIP guests, ownership, and stakeholders as needed

Respond proactively to guest feedback and continuously elevate the dining experience

Compliance, Safety & Standards

Ensure full compliance with all California health, safety, and sanitation regulations

Maintain strict adherence to food safety standards and kitchen cleanliness

Uphold company policies and procedures across all culinary operations

Qualifications

7–10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, with at least 3–5 years as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury hotel or high-end multi-outlet environment

Proven experience managing multi-outlet hotel operations (restaurants, banquets, IRD)

Strong foundation in seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine with a refined culinary perspective

Demonstrated success managing P&L, food cost, and labor controls

Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Experience in luxury, Forbes-level, or Michelin-influenced environments strongly preferred

Food Safety Certification required

Core Competencies

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Culinary Innovation & Excellence

Financial Acumen

Multi-Unit Operational Expertise

Talent Development & Culture Building

Guest Experience Focus

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a high-demand kitchen environment

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods

Why Join Hotel Californian Foley Hospitality Group

At Foley Hospitality Group, we believe exceptional experiences begin with exceptional people. The Executive Chef at Hotel Californian has the unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of one of California’s most distinctive luxury properties—where innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality come together at the highest level.Requirements:

Full-time