Zion Mountain Ranch is an elevated sanctuary just 3 miles from the East Entrance of Zion National Park, set on a roaming bison preserve. Guests can choose from thoughtfully crafted cabins and bespoke lodges and enjoy on‑site experiences including guided horseback riding, bison feedings, and Cordwood, a field‑to‑fork restaurant featuring ingredients from the ranch’s organic gardens.
Dedicated to land preservation and meaningful, nature‑based travel, Zion Mountain Ranch blends purposeful hospitality with a deep respect for the land and the spirit of the American West. Team members play a vital role in creating experiences that strengthen guests’ connection to this landscape and its enduring story.
Job Summary:
As the Kitchen Manager of culinary operations at Zion Mountain Ranch, you will work under the direction of the Food & Beverage Manager. You will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all culinary operations across the property, including Food & Beverage outlets, Café operations, Catering and Banquet operations, and special event dinners.
Your role is to lead culinary innovation, menu development, operational excellence, and team development across all dining locations and large-scale events. You will ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, safety, and consistency while maintaining financial performance targets. This position is also responsible for cultivating a strong culinary culture rooted in open communication, teamwork, trust, positivity, and the empowerment of team members at every level.
Culinary Leadership
- Oversee culinary leadership ranging from breakfast through fine dining, banquet operations, and quick-service locations.
- Develop and maintain ranch-wide culinary standards, policies, and procedures to ensure operational consistency and excellence.
- Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, sanitation, and guest experience across all culinary outlets.
- Lead menu development and culinary innovation, including seasonal offerings, special events, and signature dining experiences.
- Cultivate a positive and supportive culinary culture by modeling respectful communication, encouraging collaboration, and recognizing team contributions.
- Lead culinary operations through seasonal business fluctuations, including onboarding and training seasonal culinary staff.
Operational Management
- Oversee and support culinary teams across venues to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring timely and accurate food production according to established recipes and quality standards.
- Monitor kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning; report any maintenance needs to the F&B Manager.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, storage areas, and walk-in refrigerators and freezers.
- Work in unison with the F&B Manager to develop and implement efficient systems for ordering, inventory management, staffing, and food production across the property.
- Ensure compliance with local health department regulations, including food safety procedures, sanitation standards, and proper temperature logging.
- Work in unison with the F&B Manager to maintain accurate documentation of sales, payroll, inventory, and financial performance metrics.
Team Development & Leadership
- Lead, train, and mentor culinary team members to build a cohesive, high-performing culinary organization.
- Assign, oversee, and evaluate employee performance, providing coaching, training, and performance reviews.
- Facilitate one-on-one meetings with team members to identify strengths, address development areas, and promote professional growth.
- Foster an environment where feedback is welcomed and acted upon to support continuous improvement.
Financial Performance & Purchasing
- Alongside the F&B Manager, support the management of food costs, labor expenses, and operational budgets across all culinary venues.
- Alongside the F&B Manager, support the analysis of financial reports and profit and loss statements to ensure the culinary program meets financial goals.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key food vendors and suppliers to ensure consistent product quality, reliable supply, and effective cost management.
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Department Collaboration
- Foster strong collaboration between kitchen teams, front-of-house operations, and other departments.
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET THE JOB DONE
- Passion for food, beverages, hospitality, guest satisfaction, and financial success.
- Regular communication with the F&B Manager to ensure that customer feedback is addressed and service standards are met.
- Culinary leadership experience, preferably within a resort, hotel, stadium, university campus, or multi-outlet hospitality environment.
- Proven ability to design, cost, and execute diverse menus across multiple venues and service styles.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make strategic decisions within established policies and operational guidelines.
- Solid understanding of resort operations and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
- Strong financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting, and profit and loss analysis.
- Strong computer skills and familiarity with inventory and purchasing systems.
- Food Handler’s Permit and/or Serve Safe Certification required.
- High school diploma required, college degree in a related field preferred.
- A valid driver’s license and a driving record meets company standards to operate motor vehicles
Other Duties as Assigned:
- This job description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be an inclusive list of job tasks and expectations. With the evolution of Zion Mountain Ranch, the responsibilities of this position may change. The job must be prepared to accept new responsibilities and transfer others.
Work Location:
- Due to the in-person nature of the hospitality business, this position is on-site. RV space with hook ups are available at no cost for employees, limited employee housing at no cost is available on-site and commuting from the local vicinity is also acceptable.
- Due to the nature of our business, Zion Mountain Ranch is open every day. You must be prepared to work a schedule which may include Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- May experience high-stress situations from high business volumes and public interactions.
- Must be able to lift 50+ lbs. and carry trays or other items as needed.
- Requires standing for long periods and performing physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, and repetitive motions.
- Work environment may involve noise and interruptions.
- Exposure to both hot and cold temperature extremes, working at high altitude, slippery floors, and other potentially dangerous natural elements.
- Exposure to chemicals and cleaning agents that may be potentially hazardous, requiring proper Personal Protection Equipment.
Other Responsibilities and Requirements:
- Work with a “safety-first” attitude.
- Minimize your impact on the environment when at work and living onsite.
- Treat our customers, co-workers, leadership teams, all guests with respect, and a hospitable service atmosphere must be projected at all times.
- All team members must maintain a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance
What’s in it for you?
- Salary will be adjusted based on experience
- Onsite employee housing at no cost. Limited space available
- Discounts on food, retail, and gear
- Complimentary access to most POWDR-owned resorts
- Generous benefit package for full-time year-round employees
- Career development and growth opportunities available here and at our facilities across POWDR
- A connection with people who share the same passions and embrace each other’s unique and individual styes
POWDR is an adventure lifestyle company that inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places. Within POWDR’s portfolio are six mountain resorts including Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Boreal Mountain Resort and Soda Springs in the Lake Tahoe region of California; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, and Snowbird in Utah. Included in the POWDR portfolio, is Stovepipe Wells located in Death Valley National Park and Zion Lodge located in Zion National Park, operated under a long-term concessions contract with the National Park Service.
Zion Mountain Ranch is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
