Job Description

Executive Chef - Denali, AK (Holland American Denali Lodge)

Service Excellence. Performance. Integrity. Teamwork. Consistency. Innovation.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises united as HAP-Alaska/Yukon Land Operations. We’re innovators in Alaska and Yukon tourism and advocates for the environment. Our team supports a combined fleet of ships sailing to Alaska each summer, operating lodges and hotels, luxury motor coaches and the largest domed rail cars in the world. Our guests experience both luxury and adventure that is truly unmatched. 

We’re looking for an amazing Executive Chef professional to fill this role, which is based at our Holland America Denali Lodge in Denali, AK. The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing the culinary operations within the Food and Beverage department. This role involves menu planning, food preparation, staff management, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The Executive Chef will work closely with the Food and Beverage Manager and other key departments to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive culinary expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for innovation in the kitchen.

Here’s a summary of what Holland America Line and Princess is looking for in its Executive Chef. Is this you?

Responsibilities:

• Menu Planning and Development: Create and update menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, customer preferences, and current culinary trends.
• Food Preparation and Quality Control: Oversee the preparation and presentation of all dishes, ensuring consistency and excellence in taste and appearance.
• Staff Management and Training: Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Inventory and Cost Management: Manage inventory, order supplies, and control food costs to maximize profitability.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all kitchen operations comply with health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned - Adheres to Corporate Policies and Procedures, including Code of Conduct, Audit Procedures and any control related responsibility for financial data entered, stored, or reported via business systems within employee’s control (list not exhaustive).               

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The Executive Chef plays a pivotal role in shaping the culinary experience across the organization, impacting both shore and fleet operations.
• Ability to address and resolve complex culinary challenges, including menu adjustments and staff coordination.
• Directly influences customer satisfaction and the reputation of the Food and Beverage department through exceptional culinary offerings.
• Requires strong leadership skills to manage a diverse team, oversee kitchen operations, and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead by example by ‘respecting and protecting’ the health and safety of yourself and others.
• Ensure your team and colleagues speak up report all accidents, incidents and work-related ill health conditions.
• Help your team follow HESS rules and procedures by promoting the HESS Golden Rules.
• Attend HESS training & conduct risk assessments where required.
• Demonstrate HESS leadership in accordance with our Heroes of Safe & Well program.                                                                       

Requirements:

• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• Food Safety and Hygiene certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must have or the ability to obtain an Alaska Food Handlers card.
• Must be ServSafe Manager certified.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-volume kitchen, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of menu development and cost management.
• Strong knowledge of international cuisines and culinary techniques.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Understanding of workplace policies and procedures / Familiarity with team collaboration tools and techniques.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance.
• Capacity to be punctual and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions and tasks.
• Must be able to work a different shift including working beyond normal business hours and/or weekends to support business needs, projects or operations.
• Must be a minimum age of 18 years old to reside in company housing. 
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs/23 kg as some heavy lifting is required daily but may be performed with a team member. 
• Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours per day.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States. Holland America-Princess is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time (e.g., H-2B status).

What You Can Expect

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your family​
• Health Benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
• Training & Professional Development
• Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement
• Rewards & Incentives 

Our Culture… Stronger Together

Our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. Please visit our site to learn more about our Culture Essentials, Corporate Vision Statement and our Core Values at: https://www.princess.com/aboutus/culture-framework/. 

Holland America Line and Princess are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Holland America Line and Princess will provide reasonable accommodations with the application process, upon your request, as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact: seattlehr@hagroup.com

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