EXECUTIVE CHEF
The Country Club of Scranton seeks an accomplished Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations for one of Pennsylvania's premier private clubs. This is an opportunity to oversee a $2.3 million food and beverage program, lead a talented culinary team, and shape the dining experience for a vibrant membership of more than 800 families.
Located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, just minutes from downtown Scranton, The Country Club of Scranton offers an exceptional quality of life, a strong organizational culture, and a collaborative leadership team committed to continuous improvement and excellence. Northeastern Pennsylvania provides a significantly lower cost of living than most major metropolitan areas while offering excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to New York City and Philadelphia.
The Club boasts 27 championship golf holes, including the nationally recognized Old Course, ranked among Pennsylvania's top golf courses. Members enjoy a family-friendly pool complex, active dining and social calendar, tournament golf programming, weddings, private events, and one of the most popular outdoor dining venues in the region.
THE OPPORTUNITY
- 825 Members
- $2.3 Million Annual Food & Beverage Revenue
- Approximately 40% A La Carte / 60% Banquet Business
- Three Kitchens (Main Kitchen, Men's Grill, Pool Grill)
- Culinary Team of Approximately 15 Employees
- Eleven Weddings Annually
- Year-Round Operations
- Collaborative Executive Leadership Team
The Executive Chef will be responsible for delivering exceptional culinary experiences across all dining venues and private events while developing, mentoring, and inspiring a talented culinary team. The successful candidate will be a visible, collaborative leader with strong culinary, financial, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM
A la carte dining venues include the Grill Room, Grill Bar, and Grill Patio with seating for approximately 120 guests overlooking the golf course. The Men's Locker Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves as the center of the Club's vibrant men's golf community.
The Club hosts weddings, banquets, member events, corporate functions, golf outings, wine dinners, and social gatherings throughout the year. The main ballroom accommodates approximately 200 guests and is supported by additional private dining and outdoor event spaces.
EXECUTIVE CHEF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production throughout the Club, including member dining, banquets, tournaments, weddings, and special events. The Executive Chef develops menus, recipes, purchasing specifications, and culinary standards while maintaining the highest levels of food quality, consistency, sanitation, and member satisfaction.
This is a hands-on leadership position. The Executive Chef will actively lead, coach, and develop the culinary team while creating a positive culture focused on accountability, teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Developing innovative seasonal menus while maintaining member favorites
- Creating memorable culinary experiences for tournaments, wine dinners, and special events
- Managing food and labor costs through disciplined budgeting and forecasting
- Recruiting, training, mentoring, and retaining culinary talent
- Maintaining all sanitation, safety, and food safety standards
- Partnering with FOH leadership to ensure seamless member experiences
- Leading food knowledge and culinary training initiatives
- Developing standardized recipes and operating procedures to ensure consistency
INITIAL PRIORITIES
- Evaluate and enhance culinary standards, systems, and execution across all operations
- Continue developing a cohesive, high-performing culinary team
- Improve consistency and quality throughout the a la carte program
- Create excitement among members through innovative menus and culinary events
- Learn member preferences and dining expectations
- Develop signature menu items that become Club favorites
- Continue elevating tournament, banquet, and member event experiences
- Ensure food and labor costs remain aligned with budget expectations
TRAITS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate will be:
- A collaborative and visible leader
- Member-focused and service-driven
- Creative while respecting Club traditions
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Financially disciplined with a proven track record of cost control
- Passionate about staff development and mentorship
- Comfortable engaging with members and receiving feedback
- Knowledgeable in wine and food pairings
The Executive Chef understands the seasonal demands of private club operations and leads by example during peak periods while fostering a positive culture that values professionalism, teamwork, and work-life balance.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Culinary degree preferred or equivalent professional experience
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation preferred
- Private club experience preferred
- Current food safety certification required
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000
- Performance bonus opportunity based upon achievement of mutually agreed objectives
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time
- Employee Meals While on Duty
- Professional Development Opportunities
The Country Club of Scranton offers a competitive compensation package, supportive leadership team, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the region's premier private clubs.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person