Employer: Turner Enterprises Management, LLC
Position: Chef de Cuisine
Location: Vermejo Reserve – Raton, NM
Type: Full Time Regular / Salary / Exempt / Benefits-Eligible
Housing: Yes
At Ted Turner Reserves, we connect people with nature by providing one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences in luxury settings, and we’re looking for passionate, energetic individuals to be a part of our growing team.
Our premier Reserve, Vermejo, is currently seeking an innovative and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead our culinary team and deliver exceptional dining experiences that reflect Vermejo's commitment to sustainability and high-quality service.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As a Chef de Cuisine, you will be responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations of the main lodge kitchen under the direction of the Executive Chef. This position combines hands-on culinary expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for our guests and fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
You will also be responsible for:
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Overseeing the preparation and execution of three daily meals for up to 55 guests, ensuring quality, consistency, and timeliness.
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Collaborating with the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef to tailor guest dining experiences to exceed expectations.
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Designing menus that reflect a sense of place, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients where possible.
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Preparing and cooking meals for small groups of guests, maintaining high standards while minimizing waste.
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Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety in all kitchen workspaces and storage areas.
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Overseeing the inventory system to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and proper stock levels.
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Training and mentoring kitchen staff, teaching proper cooking and preparation techniques. Monitoring team performance, manage schedules, and address time and attendance matters.
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Ensuring the correct and safe use of all kitchen equipment, conducting training and routine checks as needed.
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Consistently producing high-quality cuisine that meets or exceeds guest expectations.
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Performing tasks such as dishwashing, deep cleaning, minor maintenance (e.g., painting), and groundskeeping as needed or assigned by Management.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
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A minimum of 5 years of experience working in high-end kitchens is required, demonstrating advanced culinary skills, creativity, and the ability to maintain excellence under pressure.
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Strong knowledge of dessert and pastry techniques, with a creative approach to presentation and flavor profiles.
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Must be familiar with upscale buffet service and composed plating.
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Ability to perform under pressure in a high-stress, fast-paced environment.
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Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with a diverse team.
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Experience with inventory management and scheduling.
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Commitment to cleanliness, organization, and workplace safety.
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Flexible and adaptable to support additional responsibilities as assigned.
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Knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment.
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Good working knowledge of accepted sanitation standards and applicable health codes.
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Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
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You’ll need to present documentation establishing both identity and employment authorization within three days of hire pursuant to federal law.
Preferred:
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A high school diploma or general education degree (GED).
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Experience working in a luxury hotel/resort setting.
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Culinary school diploma or equivalent.
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At least 2 years of supervisory experience is highly preferred
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Experience with wild game cookery, and remote-outdoor cooking experience is a plus!
YOUR QUALITIES
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You’re alert, friendly and eager to assist guests politely and promptly.
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You demonstrate care and compassion for team members, putting the needs of the team before your own.
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You demonstrate excellent communication and teamwork skills.
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You’re self-directed, energetic, and motivated with multi-tasking capabilities.
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You’re creative, adaptive and willing to work with existing core resort philosophy and style.
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You demonstrate clean work habits and attention to detail.
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You’re committed to food safety and sanitation.
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You conduct yourself in a professional manner in and out of the work setting.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS
The Company offers full time employees an elite benefits package, including medical dental and vision insurance, basic life insurance, short term disability, 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off and paid holidays.
ACCOMMODATIONS
This position will require you to live on Vermejo headquarters, located approximately 40 miles from the closest town (Raton, NM). Vermejo’s location is approximately 4.5 hours’ drive south of Denver or 4.5 hours’ drive north of Albuquerque.
Vermejo offers single- and double-bedroom dorm room style company housing (subject to availability). You may be subject to sharing a room with one other employee depending on the availability of a single dorm room.
You will need to provide or arrange for your own transportation to and from Raton for personal supplies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
On a regular basis, you can expect to:
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Stand; walk; move hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms; handle, or feel; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
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Lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
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Perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
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Be on your feet for extended periods of time.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
You will regularly be required to work long hours, and you may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high altitude ~7,000+ feet; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles. You may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. You will be occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, and the work environment characteristics are representative of those you may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodation inquiries must be made to the Company’s Human Resources Department for consideration.
Turner Enterprises Management, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free/Drug-Free Workplace.
For more information, visit https://tedturnerreserves.com/careers/.
