Head Chef (Cotino™)

As the Head Chef for Cotino™, A Storyliving by Disney community, you will lead the culinary experience to deliver exceptional “World-Class” dining within a private club environment. Positioned within the Disney Experiences segment, you will oversee kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation while managing inventory, scheduling, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Your role is crucial in maintaining Disney's reputation for excellence in dining experiences, contributing to the overall magic of Disney's offerings.

You Will...

In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team of culinary professionals, providing leadership, support, and development to ensure high performance and accountability. You will adapt to departmental priorities, manage performance, and guide your team to meet quality, volume, and timeliness objectives. This role matters because it directly influences the dining experience for guests, requiring skills such as strategic planning, collaboration, and creativity.

• Lead a team of culinary professionals, providing leadership, support, and development of Cast Members, creating a positive environment that encourages ownership and accountability.
• Oversee and work alongside food handlers on a daily basis, including shift coverage on banquets, hot and cold lines as well as prep and cleaning.
• Comprehensive understanding of training protocols and lead training of line-level staff and stewards.
• Create new and higher quality service and product standards.
• Innovate food combinations, textures, and flavors to create new flavor experiences.
• Educate Culinary Cast Members on seasonal products, culinary styles, and techniques.
• Inspire and educate Cast Members and Guests on fads, trends, lifestyles, and special dietary needs with consideration of product, equipment, and cost.
• Understand, support, and teach the “role in the show” cuisine concept.
• Inspire, provide direction, and drive effectiveness of the Leadership Team.
• Develop Direct Reports as individuals and as a team by providing a work environment within which they excel.
• Hold Direct Reports accountable for job performance.
• Ensure that products are properly ordered, received and stored.
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and facilities.
• Identify, mediate or negotiate effective resolution to conflict.
• Ensure operational compliance Food & Beverage Standards, Loss Prevention Standards, State of California, and Food Safety Standards.

You Have/Required Qualifications...

• Skilled in strategic planning and culinary management.
• Proficient in managing inventory and scheduling.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Innovative and creative mindset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Sciences, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in culinary management, with 3+ years in a management role.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and comfort working in various operational systems including point of sale and inventory management.

Preferred Qualifications...

• Advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Sciences.
• Ability to inspire creativity and innovation that adapts to our business.
• Proven drive and understanding of the Disney Culture, opportunities, and strategies to achieve best-in-class results.
• Knowledge of industry trends and practical business applications that contribute to greater results while utilizing fewer tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of wines and spirits/sommelier certification.
• Experience in developing annual operating plans.
• Strong focus on research and development that leverages trends, technology, and creative thinking.
• Ability to speak and present to large groups of people, including Company Executives.

Our Benefits...

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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The hiring range for this position in Anaheim is $115,500 to $154,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.