Culinary Manager/Chef - Zephyr Lodge

Vail Resorts • Truckee, CA

1d • $27 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Manager/Chef oversees food quality, presentation, and service at Zephyr Lodge, an on-mountain location at 8,000 feet elevation near the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift. The role supports the lodge’s summer banquet, wedding, and event operations at Northstar California, helping manage the kitchen and ensure guests have a pleasant dining experience for their special events. Zephyr Lodge operates as a high-volume quick-service restaurant in winter, serving Asian Fusion-inspired rice and ramen dishes alongside lodge classics, and shifts to weddings, banquets, and events in summer.

The Culinary Manager/Chef assists the General Manager with scheduling, labor management, ordering, inventory, training, performance management, event preparation, and execution. The position leads kitchen staff in maintaining food quality, consistency, safety, sanitation, and cleanliness while supporting a professional and cohesive team environment.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Minimum 2 years of restaurant or culinary management experience and/or experience with banquets and events preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of direct management experience.
• Experience with purchasing systems, MS Office Suite, and Outlook.
• Advanced culinary skills preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree.
• Restaurant or culinary management experience and/or banquet and event experience.
• Advanced culinary skills.
• Experience with international cuisines, banquet service, and plated-service standards.
• Familiarity and experience with Banquet Event Orders and weddings/events.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in all kitchen positions and an in-depth knowledge of culinary techniques.
• Create a motivating atmosphere and cohesive team environment.
• Train, supervise, and communicate standards effectively to direct reports.
• Ensure the outlet follows HACCP and Serve Safe culinary guidelines, including food handling, FIFO stock rotation, sanitation, labeling, and dating.
• Maintain an accessible, current SDS book and ensure staff are trained in its use.
• Assist the General Manager with staff scheduling, labor budgets, assigning duties and breaks, and adjusting staffing to business volume.
• Model professional grooming, uniform, food-safety, sanitation, communication, and workplace standards; anticipate business levels and maintain a clean, safe work area.
• Document and follow through on disciplinary actions with training and guidance.
• Manage ordering and receiving, cost transfers, order guides, and inventory control for food, beverages, and supplies for the building.
• Conduct routine line checks and maintain the quality of food served and produced.
• Assist the General Manager with hiring and retaining food-service personnel.
• Lead kitchen staff in maintaining kitchen and equipment condition, cleanliness, safety, and sanitation; promptly address malfunctioning equipment.
• Work with restaurant management to complete monthly food-safety audits.
• Assist with creating and following prep, cleaning, and closing lists.
• Uphold Vail Resorts policies, procedures, and operating standards.
• Ensure recipes are followed and food is produced consistently and safely.
• Monitor food portions, preparation, and waste to control cost of goods.
• Use Avero reports to help forecast daily business volume and preparation levels.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and a positive attitude toward employees and guests.
• Conduct monthly inventories and ensure products are accurately counted and recorded.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free employee ski passes and discounted lift tickets for friends and family, plus free ski lessons.
• Employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Training and professional development.
• Referral Program.
• Health, medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible seasonal employees after 500 hours worked.
• Free ski passes for dependents.
• Critical illness and accident plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed