Company description

Sterling Forest Lodge is a small, intimate retreat center dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful hospitality and nourishing, locally-inspired cuisine. Our serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for guests seeking rejuvenation and connection, with food playing a central role in their journey with us.

Job description

About Us
Sterling Forest Lodge is a small, intimate retreat center dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful hospitality and nourishing, locally-inspired cuisine. Our serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for guests seeking rejuvenation and connection, with food playing a central role in their journey with us.

Position Overview
We seek a passionate and creative Kitchen Manager to join our close-knit team. This role combines culinary expertise with hospitality skills to deliver memorable dining experiences for our retreat guests. The ideal candidate excels at managing and executing every aspect of the food experience, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is self-motivated.

Is This You?

• You value teamwork, curiosity, process, planning, and clear communication
• Have extensive experience cooking, ideally catering and/or as a private chef
• Are confident in preparing high-quality meals and providing impeccable service for groups, often with limited support
• Have experience in and are prepared to manage all aspects of meal preparation, menu planning, and kitchen operations
• Have extensive experience managing and executing meal service while ensuring a delightful dining experience for guests
• Interested in vegetarian cooking, menu collaboration and recipe development
• Excellent at multitasking, time management, and efficiency
• You are a private chef, owned or operated a catering company, or have previous experience cooking and managing a kitchen in the industry

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to the designated seasonal menu and guest dietary restrictions
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies and maintaining stock levels to ensure freshness and quality
• Oversee food preparation processes, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area, adhering to sanitation standards
• Assist with hospitality and guest facing duties during retreats, as schedule permits
• Train and supervise any support staff to ensure efficient operations
• Manage and liaise with Chef and Caterers for all programs (when not in-house)
• Source local products and build relationships with local farmers and producers
• Collaborate on seasonal menu development and recipe creation

Qualifications

• 3+ years in the culinary industry, ideally in a professional kitchen, event catering, and/or as a private chef
• Strong skills in menu planning, food preparation, and inventory control
• Excellent team management abilities with a focus on collaboration and communication with all staff members
• Knowledge of hospitality standards and practices to enhance the dining experience
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks effectively under pressure
• Creative flair for culinary presentation and innovation in cooking techniques
• Flexibility to adapt to changing retreat schedules and guest needs
• Passion for local, seasonal ingredients and sustainable kitchen practices

THE DETAILS

• Position: Kitchen Manager
• Hours: Part time, 25+ hours per week with potential for full time in the future
• Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday
• Compensation: $25+ per hour depending on experience
• Bonus: Signing bonus available

What We Offer

• A unique work environment in a picturesque, peaceful setting
  Opportunity to express culinary creativity within our farm-to-table philosophy
• Collaborative team culture that values conscious living and mindful practices
• Connection with guests seeking meaningful wellness experiences
• Chance to work directly with local food producers and artisans
• Work-life balance with a focus on wellbeing
• Access to the resources of the lodge during off-hours

Qualified candidates who are excited about creating memorable culinary experiences in a retreat setting are encouraged to apply with a resume, brief cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $25.00 - $28.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline