Executive Chef

DRIFTWOOD HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT • West Palm Beach, FL

21d • Onsite

About The Position

At Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown, food isn't just fuel it's an experience. As our Executive Chef, you'll be the creative engine behind a culinary program that reflects the energy, culture, and flavor of South Florida. From a vibrant rooftop scene to curated local dining moments, you'll lead a passionate kitchen team and bring the Canopy spirit to life on every plate. This is more than a chef role. It's a platform to make your mark on one of West Palm Beach's most exciting hotel, and to do it with the backing of one of the world's leading hospitality brands.

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive culinary experience, with a minimum of 2 years in an Executive Chef or Sous Chef role
• Proven track record managing high-volume hotel, resort, or upscale restaurant kitchen operations
• Strong knowledge of food costing, menu engineering, and kitchen financial management
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Experience leading diverse culinary teams with a demonstrated commitment to staff development

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training
• Familiarity with South Florida's culinary landscape, local sourcing, and regional cuisine
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus in our diverse, dynamic team environment
• A creative culinary vision with an authentic passion for locally inspired food
• A servant leader mentality — you build people up, not just plates
• Adaptability and calm under pressure in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• A guest-first mindset — you understand that every dish tells a story
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative spirit across departments
• A drive for excellence without losing the warmth and energy of a great team culture

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across hotel dining outlets, banquet/events, in-room dining, and rooftop F&B programming
• Develop and execute seasonal, locally inspired menus that reflect the vibrant culture of West Palm Beach
• Drive consistency in food quality, presentation, and portion standards across all outlets
• Maintain a well-organized, safe, and efficient kitchen environment at all times
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team aligned with Canopy's service-first culture
• Lead daily pre-shift meetings and provide ongoing coaching to sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive kitchen environment where team members feel valued and motivated to grow
• Manage scheduling, payroll, and labor costs in alignment with business demands
• Manage and maintain food cost targets, waste reduction strategies, and inventory controls
• Partner with the Director of F&B to develop budgets, forecasts, and strategic menu pricing
• Negotiate with local vendors and purveyors to source premium, sustainable ingredients at competitive pricing
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP, local health codes)
• Create culinary programming that connects guests to the local culture, from farm-to-table sourcing to regionally inspired menus
• Engage with guests when appropriate to share the story behind the food and build memorable dining moments
• Collaborate with Sales, Events, and Marketing teams on F&B promotions, pop-ups, and special events
• Incorporate guest feedback into continuous menu refinement and service improvements

Benefits

• Discounted hotel stays worldwide through the Go Hilton Team Member Travel Program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) with company match and competitive compensation package
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
• Employee assistance program and mental wellness resources
• Leadership development programs, training resources, and mentorship through Hilton's and DHM internal career platform
• Opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a brand-new property from the ground up

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Associate degree