Job Description

Job Title:  

Executive Chef / Director of Culinary Operations  
Pali Mountain – San Bernardino Mountains, CA  

Position Summary:  

Pali Mountain is seeking an experienced, hands-on  Executive Chef / Director of Culinary Operations to lead a fast-paced, high-volume commercial kitchen that serves thousands of guests each week. This is a  year-round, salaried leadership position responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for our 5,000 sq ft kitchen, which produces 45,000–65,000 buffet-style meals per month for youth and adult groups attending summer camp, outdoor education, and retreats.  

The ideal candidate is a creative chef and strategic operator who thrives in youth-oriented environments, brings a passion for  scratch cooking , and understands how to deliver  fun, delicious, and inclusive meals that accommodate a variety of dietary needs.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Lead all aspects of food production for 18–21 meals per week , ensuring meals are timely , safe, and consistently high-quality.  
• Oversee a team of 30+ kitchen staff , including cooks, prep crew, and dishwashers ; set schedules, train staff, and lead by example.  
• Design rotating menus that are  kid-friendly, buffet-style , and accommodate a wide range of  dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, halal).  
• Champion  scratch cooking , creative presentation, and menu variety to keep meals exciting for returning guests.  
• Monitor food inventory, manage vendor relationships, place orders, and control food/labor costs within budget.  
• Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures in line with all local health department requirements.  
• Collaborate with leadership across Pali Mountain to support evolving programming needs and ensure meal service aligns with guest experiences.  
• Model a team-first attitude, mentor up-and-coming staff, and contribute to the positive, energetic culture of the facility.  

Required Qualifications & Experience:  

• Minimum 5 years of executive kitchen leadership in high-volume settings—preferably in  buffet, camp, resort, school, or institutional dining .  
• Proven experience managing  large teams (15+ staff) and running efficient, scalable operations.  
• Strong understanding of  dietary accommodations and allergen-safe practices .  
• Track record of delivering consistently high-quality meals at scale , while staying on budget.  
• Valid ServSafe (or equivalent) food safety certification.  
• Comfortable using kitchen management software and basic tech tools (e.g., ordering platforms, scheduling software, spreadsheets).  

Preferred Traits and Experience:  

• Experience cooking for or with  youth, teens, or school-aged populations .  
• Familiarity with  camp or group lodging environments .  
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and lead with kindness, humor, and professionalism.  
• Creativity, energy, and a sincere love of making food that makes people smile.  

Compensation & Benefits:  

• Salary : $80,000–$110,000 per year, depending on experience  
• Benefits : Full Pali Mountain employee package, including medical, dental, vision, vacation , holidays, and more  
• Housing : Not provided  
• Schedule : Year-round, with variable schedule depending on season (weekend and holiday availability required ) 

Why Join Pali Mountain? 

Nestled in the scenic San Bernardino Mountains, Pali Mountain serves tens of thousands of guests each year through summer camp, educational, and retreat programs. As part of our leadership team, you’ll have the chance to grow professionally, shape unforgettable dining experiences, and build a legacy of excellent hospitality for kids and families.   

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