Chef De Cuisine at Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

We are seeking an experienced, creative Chef de Cuisine to lead our culinary operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences that reflect both the sophistication of Proper Hotels and the innovative spirit of Santa Monica's culinary scene.

Position Summary 

The Chef de Cuisine at Santa Monica Proper Hotel leads daily culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality while maintaining the property's innovative, locally-inspired cuisine. This role combines creative menu development with operational management, working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver outstanding dining experiences that align with Proper Hotels' sophisticated standards. 

Position Responsibilities 

• Direct daily kitchen operations across all outlets 
• Execute seasonal menus and specials 
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation 
• Lead menu planning and recipe development 
• Ensure proper food handling and safety standards 
• Oversee special events and banquet execution
• Lead, train and develop kitchen team
• Create staff schedules and assignments
• Conduct performance evaluations
• Implement training programs and SOPs
• Monitor team productivity and efficiency
• Maintain positive kitchen culture and morale
• Control food and labor costs 
• Manage inventory and ordering 
• Oversee equipment maintenance and cleanliness 
• Ensure compliance with health regulations 
• Monitor product quality and kitchen organization 
• Maintain proper storage and rotation procedures
• Coordinate with purchasing on orders 
• Maintain recipe and cost databases 
• Complete required reports and documentation 
• Attend management meetings 
• Support menu engineering initiatives 
• Collaborate with other departments
  

Qualification Standards 
Specific Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Advanced culinary techniques and cooking methods 
• Strong knowledge of ingredients and food trends 
• Menu planning and recipe development expertise
• Understanding of kitchen systems and equipment 
• Proficiency in inventory management software 
• Knowledge of labor scheduling systems

Education 

• Culinary Arts degree or equivalent professional certification 
• ServSafe Manager Certification
• Food Handler's Certification 
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred

Experience 

• Minimum 5-7 years experience in luxury hotels or high-end restaurants
• At least 3 years in a sous chef or supervisory role 
• Experience in high-volume, fine dining operations 
• Background in California cuisine and local sourcing preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Ability to stand and work for extended periods 
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds 
• Tolerance for extreme temperatures 
• Manual dexterity for food preparation 
• Stamina for long service periods 
• Available to work flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

To achieve our vision—to inspire and transport people—we seek like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:
• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.