Clera home
·Dashboard
Trailborn Hotels & Resorts

Chef de Cuisine

Trailborn Highlands, Highlands, NC, US · On-site$65k – $75k
Apply now

About this role


ABOUT OUR ROLE 

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the daily culinary operations of the kitchen at Highlands Supper Club located on the grounds of Trailborn Highlands. Reporting to the Director of Food & Beverage, this role leads the back-of-house culinary team and ensures exceptional food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and execution across all food service outlets. The Chef de Cuisine is a hands-on leader who coaches and develops the kitchen team while maintaining high standards for guest satisfaction, food safety, and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL 

FUNCTIONS 


Culinary Operations

  • Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient preparation and execution of all menu offerings.
  • Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion standards across all meal periods and service outlets.
  • Actively work the line and support the culinary team during service to ensure smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.
  • Assist with seasonal menu development, recipe execution, and specials in collaboration with the Director of Food & Beverage.
  • Ensure all recipes and plating standards are followed consistently.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe kitchen workspaces throughout each shift.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and occupational safety standards.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate cooks, prep cooks, and stewards.
  • Lead daily lineups and communicate service expectations and priorities to the culinary team.
  • Foster a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and respect.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to culinary team members.
  • Assist with onboarding and training new culinary employees.
  • Support scheduling needs and help ensure appropriate staffing levels for business demands.

Inventory & Kitchen Management

  • Assist with inventory management, receiving, product rotation, and proper storage procedures.
  • Monitor product quality and minimize waste through proper handling and preparation techniques.
  • Communicate purchasing needs and inventory shortages to the Director of Food & Beverage.
  • Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained, and report repair needs promptly.

Banquets & Special Events

  • Lead culinary execution for banquets, private events, and special functions.
  • Coordinate with the Food & Beverage and Sales leadership teams to ensure timely and accurate execution of event menus.
  • Accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests while maintaining quality and consistency.

Quality & Guest Experience

  • Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
  • Address culinary concerns quickly and professionally to ensure guest satisfaction.
  • Lead by example with professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail during all services.
  • Promote a culture of hospitality and continuous improvement within the culinary team.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred.
  • Minimum 3–5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in a hotel, resort, or high-volume restaurant environment.
  • Experience leading kitchen teams in fast-paced service environments.
  • Strong culinary techniques and knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
  • ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification required.

PHYSICAL 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Requires extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.

ABOUT OUR 

BENEFITS 

Company Benefits and Perks

Full Time

Part Time

Seasonal

Medical (with company contribution)

Eligible

-

-

Dental (with company contribution)

Eligible

-

-

Vision (with company contribution)

Eligible

-

-

Paid Time Off

Eligible

-

-

401(k) (with company match)

Eligible

Eligible

-

Sick Time

Eligible

Eligible

-

Employee Dining Discounts

Eligible

Eligible

Eligible

Employee Marketplace Discounts

Eligible

Eligible

Eligible

SCHEDULE

Hospitality demands a flexible schedule that may require extended hours as the business requires coverage including seasonality– on any day at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

PAY RATE

$65,000-$75,000

JOB STATUS

Full Time

FLSA

Exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Trailborn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.


If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please inform us during your application process.

The specific statements shown in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The job’s responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time without prior notice. The Company will try to give as much notice as practical when changes are made.

Company at a glance

Trailborn Hotels & Resorts is the leading hospitality brand and management company bringing boutique hotels to the great outdoors. Built for the modern adventurer, each Trailborn hotel puts guests at the heart of the country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations – from national parks to wine country, snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches – to create a unique experience for outdoors enthusiasts.

Trailborn currently has properties along the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains; the Grand Canyon; and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Hotels will soon open in Mendocino, California; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and beyond.

To learn more about Trailborn Hotels & Resorts and book your stay, visit trailborn.com.

Team Size201-500 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryHospitality
Location
Highlands, North Carolina, United States
Websitetrailborn.com
LinkedInLinkedIn

Top Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) With Company Match
  • Sick Time
  • Employee Dining Discounts
  • Employee Marketplace Discounts

Tired of cold applications?

Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.

Know someone who'd be great for this?