Executive Chef

Job description

An Executive Chef at Hilton Cartagena will play a critical role in shaping the hotel’s culinary identity, driving Food & Beverage performance, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This position goes beyond kitchen operations, requiring a strategic leader who can elevate the culinary team, strengthen banquet and group performance, and successfully position upcoming Food & Beverage concepts.

What will I be doing?

As Executive Chef, you will be fully responsible for the culinary direction, operational excellence, and financial performance of the kitchen. You will lead the team to deliver high-quality experiences across all outlets, with a strong focus on group, banquet, and event execution.

Specifically, you will:

·  Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
·  Drive culinary excellence in group and banquet operations, ensuring flawless execution for events and maximizing guest satisfaction.
·  Lead the development, implementation, and positioning of new Food & Beverage concepts, aligned with market trends and brand standards.
·  Collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Events teams to support revenue generation and enhance the hotel’s competitive positioning.
·  Maintain consistent delivery of high-quality food across all outlets, ensuring compliance with Hilton brand standards.
·  Manage kitchen operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and waste management, ensuring strong financial performance.
·  Optimize food cost, margins, and operational efficiencies without compromising quality or guest experience.
·  Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.
·  Proactively engage with guests, gathering feedback and continuously improving the culinary offering.
·  Manage recruitment, training, succession planning, and performance management of the culinary team.
·  Maintain strong communication and collaboration across all hotel departments.
·  Effectively lead within a unionized environment, ensuring compliance while fostering positive and productive team relations.
·  Drive innovation and continuous improvement in menus, presentation, and service delivery.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a dynamic, strategic, and inspirational culinary leader who combines operational excellence with strong business acumen.

·  Proven experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in high-volume hotels or resorts.
·  Strong background in banquet, group, and large-scale event operations.
·  Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative Food & Beverage concepts.
·  Experience working in a unionized environment.
·  Strong leadership and team development capabilities, with the ability to inspire and elevate teams.
·  Solid financial acumen, including cost control, budgeting, and revenue optimization.
·  Strong collaboration skills with commercial teams (Sales & Marketing).
·  Ability to perform under pressure in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
·  Passion for culinary excellence, innovation, and guest experience.

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

·  A certification in management
· 
Proficiency with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

 

 

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands .  Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day.  And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!