Culinary Director

Wildflower Farms•Gardiner, NY

4d•$175,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Wildflower Farms is seeking a visionary Culinary Director to lead its gastronomic journey. With a deep connection to nature and a philosophy rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and place, this role offers the opportunity to shape an immersive culinary experience that reflects the land’s abundance and celebrates the Hudson Valley. Guided by seasonality, the Culinary Director will craft a cuisine that honors regional ingredients and elevates rustic elegance into something quietly extraordinary. This is a chance to tell a story of terroir and time, creating thoughtful, layered menus that are as soulful as they are sophisticated. The ideal candidate will be both a creative force and a collaborative leader—capable of cultivating a kitchen culture that values curiosity, craftsmanship, and connection. As the steward of Wildflower Farms’ culinary ethos, the Culinary Director will nurture an experience that invites guests to slow down, savor the moment, and rediscover the joy of food rooted in nature.

Requirements

Minimum 8 years of experience in a comparable leadership role within a luxury hospitality environment or prestigious restaurant group
Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related business field (or equivalent professional experience)
Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet operational demands
Proficiency with Google applications and restaurant management systems

Responsibilities

Design innovative culinary concepts and menus that align with our luxury positioning while highlighting the distinct ingredients from our farm
Partner with the Farm Director to cultivate specialty produce that enhances our culinary identity and strengthens our connection to the land
Source premium ingredients from Wildflower Farms and select local producers to create seasonally-inspired menus that reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability
Deliver seamless guest experiences, with particular emphasis on creating memorable dining moments
Execute our strategic business plan to establish the property as a premier destination for unique luxury hospitality experiences
Highly skilled in both restaurant and event management
Create one of a kind Culinary Experiences and Classes that are in line with the Soul of the Place
Build a positive kitchen culture founded on trust and pride that drives high employee engagement and satisfaction
Champion service excellence by implementing systems that consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences
Identify and nurture culinary talent to build a highly skilled and motivated kitchen
Mentor and develop your culinary team, providing training and growth opportunities that inspire excellence
Optimize food and labor costs through effective inventory management and resource utilization
Work collaboratively across departments to ensure smooth culinary operations throughout the resort
Engage with media, food writers, and influencers as an enthusiastic ambassador for our culinary philosophy
Stay current with culinary innovations and trends to continually enhance our food and beverage offerings
Address guest concerns promptly and effectively to ensure complete satisfaction
Analyze food and beverage costs to improve operational efficiency while maintaining quality
Provide detailed financial reporting on department performance with actionable recommendations for profitability
Maintain strong owner relationships by demonstrating exceptional stewardship of the property