Expert

Executive Chef

Kissimmee, US · On-site

Company Description

Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort offers you an incredible opportunity to meet and share stories with guests from around the world who come to experience Central Florida’s world-famous theme parks and attractions. Enjoy the excitement and surroundings of our world-class resort, featuring award-winning attractions and restaurants. As part of Westgate Resorts, recognized by U.S. News as one of the Best Companies to Work For, you’ll be joining a team committed to excellence and creating unforgettable vacation experiences and supporting your career growth where you are or at 60+ resorts across the company.

Job Description

The Executive Chef is responsible for providing overall culinary leadership for a multi-outlet resort and other property locations, ensuring consistent, high-quality food production across diverse kitchens and dining concepts. This role oversees menu development, food quality standards, kitchen operations, staff development, financial performance, and compliance with all health and safety regulations. The Executive Chef partners closely with Food & Beverage leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintain strong cost controls, and uphold the resort’s brand, culinary identity, and service vision. This position manages all kitchen and culinary staff, ensuring cohesive operations across all outlets, banquets, and special events.

Oversee all culinary operations across outlets, banquets, and catering, ensuring alignment with quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction standards.Lead menu development and engineering, conducting regular sales analysis and cost evaluations to drive profitability.
Collaborate with outlet managers to ensure seamless kitchen and service coordination.
Implement and uphold departmental action plans, standard operating procedures, and contingency plans.
Attend departmental and leadership meetings to align on resort and culinary initiatives.
Comply with all CFI policies and procedures and represent Westgate Resorts in a professional manner through appearance, dress, and behavior at all times.
Participate in company budgeting, forecasting, and departmental goal-setting initiatives.
Manage labor costs and kitchen staffing, creating and approving schedules to ensure operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Analyze and approve invoices, requisitions, and food purchasing activities in line with budget and quality expectations.
Ensure compliance with beverage and food cost control procedures.
Maintain accurate and timely department reporting, cost analysis, and budget planning data.
Keep accurate recipes, inventory controls, ordering procedures, and standardized operating manuals for all kitchen operations.
Conduct performance evaluations, deliver training programs, and provide coaching and corrective action in accordance with company policies.
Support and reinforce team recognition and reward programs that promote engagement and high performance.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health standards through routine inspections and adherence to company and government regulations.
Monitor and evaluate food preparation methods, presentation, and portion control to maintain consistency and guest satisfaction.
Provide exceptional guest service by addressing concerns and managing special requests or dietary needs with urgency and professionalism.
Assist with hands-on cooking and food production during peak times or events.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience

7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience in resorts, hotels, or multi-outlet restaurants
Experience managing high-volume food operations, banquets, and events.
Previous budget, P&L, and team leadership responsibilities required.
Experience in timeshare, hospitality, or vacation ownership properties strongly preferred.

Additional Information

Why Westgate?

Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time to Recharge
Paid Holidays
401(k) with Generous Company Match to Support Your Future
Daily Pay – Access Your Earnings When You Need Them
Family-Focused Benefits – Pregnancy, Parental Leave, and Adoption Assistance
Wellness Programs to Support Your Well-Being
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Tuition Assistance to Help You Grow Your Career
Military Leave
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Support When You Need It Most
Life, Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Insurance
Pet Insurance for Your Furry Family Members
Loyalty Program – Exclusive Discounts on Hotels, Cruises, Resorts, Restaurants, Entertainment, and More
Low-Cost Gym Membership
NEW! David A. Siegel Legacy Scholarship – Up to $40,000 for Team Members’ Dependents
Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities
Community Involvement – Give Back and Make an Impact

Westgate Resorts is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected status under federal, state or local law. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email [email protected] with the job title and the location of the position for which you are applying.

This job posting is intended to provide a general overview of the position and may not include every responsibility, duty, or qualification required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.