Executive Chef

About West Creek RanchThe ranch provides the perfect setting for meetings, leadership development, social gatherings, recreation and inspiration. Working with select nonprofit partners, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation brings together leaders across sectors to address today's most challenging societal problems. Topics range from social justice to climate change to mental health, and everything in between. West Creek offers 5-star service and recreation amenities, providing a setting that inspires innovation and creative problem-solving.With guidance by ranch staff who treat guests like family, the West Creek experience is a reminder that more indoor meetings don't equal more success. West Creek requires participants to spend half of their time engaged in outdoor activities based on the belief that exponential learning is stimulated by connecting to nature, building relationships and fostering self-renewal. West Creek participants have raved about how much they achieved outside of the meeting space, immersed in games, hikes, horseback rides and more.The Employee ExperienceThis is so much more than a job.Here at West Creek, your job will be to help create incredible experiences for our guests. Through you, our guests will feel inspired to come up with creative solutions to daunting world problems. By greeting all guests with a smile, attending to the smallest details, and catering to each guest's needs, we are creating an environment that makes our guests feel welcome and cared for, so that they feel relaxed and focused to tackle serious, society-changing issues. Through your thoughtful interactions with others, you are sure to have an impact on guests and staff alike.You'll experience all this with a group of adventurous, hard-working, and fun-loving people who will become lifelong friends. On the weekends, you and your new friends will get to enjoy the endless recreational opportunities and natural wonders that Yellowstone country has to offer!Ideal CandidateWe're looking for people who understand the importance of a friendly smile and a kind word. Our staff members are personable, adventurous, hard-working, honest, and are willing to pitch in when they see that a helping hand is needed. Physical stamina to work long days is also required. Additionally, we're looking for people with a desire and a willingness to learn. Rather than departmentalize, many of our staff work a variety of jobs in order to gain a better understanding of the operation as a whole. We feel this flexibility better prepares them for whatever may come in the future.Wrangling and working in the kitchen require specific skills and experience. However, training can be provided for many other jobs that do not require prior experience. When evaluating applicants, a desire to learn, serve, and maintain a positive attitude is most important. Although, preference will be given to those who have prior customer service experience.Room and BoardRoom and board are provided to all West Creek Ranch staff members. We offer housing at various locations offsite, all within an 18-mile drive of the ranch. Our accommodations are mostly shared with private accommodations reserved for managers, returning employees, or senior staff members. West Creek Ranch provides linens, comforters, pillows, and towels. There is sufficient storage space on the ranch for personal belongings. We provide ample space for indoor recreation, along with a place to do laundry. Staff members are allowed to respectfully use all ranch facilities including our world-class golf course.While transportation to and from work is not provided, carpooling with fellow employees is easy to arrange.Three meals a day are provided during the workweek in our staff dining room at the Ranch. Our kitchen staff put equal thought and care into our staff meals as they do for our guests, providing an array of options and catering to dietary restrictions.Communal kitchens will be provided in your housing, where you will have ample room to store food and cook whatever you're craving whenever you crave it.Employee PerksNot only do employees have access to the full facility, but they are also encouraged to participate in guest activities free of charge, so long as there is availability. Horseback rides, guided hikes, fly-fishing instruction, and world class golf are just a few of the activities you'll have the opportunity to experience. And we can't forget the weekly Dance Nights with the guests!A competitive seasonal salary, free room and board, weekends off, a beautiful mountain environment, access to Yellowstone National Park, use of our world-class facilities and activities, and the opportunity to mingle with our amazing guests and staff from all over the world... who could ask for anything more? The friendships you make, the skills you learn, and the memories you'll form will last you a lifetime.Throughout the year, our staff will give back to the communities in which they live and work - through their physical involvement, personal philanthropy, and grants made to non-profit organizations. The team will have opportunities for rewarding volunteer work in both Park County and Gallatin County.Getting Here and Getting AroundStaff members are encouraged to join our team with their own vehicles since housing is off site, but if you drive out with family the closest airport for travel is the Bozeman International Airport.For FunThere are plenty of opportunities for adventure in the heart of Yellowstone Country. The Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains, the Crazy Mountains, the Bridger Mountains, and the Gallatin Canyon area all provide excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. Big Creek and the mighty Yellowstone River offer fishing, rafting, and kayaking opportunities.Livingston is a 30-minute drive and offers a quaint downtown with great restaurants and a vibrant artistic community. Bozeman is an hour's drive and is home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies, as well as a great variety of coffee shops, stores, restaurants, and bars. Local haunts like the Pine Creek Lodge, The Old Saloon in Emigrant and Chico Hot Springs are always staff favorites and feature live music and great food without the long drive.Job DescriptionThe Executive Chef leads the culinary program at West Creek Ranch and is responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences for guests and associates. This role oversees all kitchen operations including menu development, food preparation, culinary team leadership, and kitchen organization.As the senior culinary leader on property, the Executive Chef sets the vision and standards for the ranch's culinary program while ensuring consistent execution across all meals and events. Because West Creek Ranch serves mission-driven nonprofit groups rather than traditional resort guests, the culinary program emphasizes thoughtful hospitality, flexibility, and a strong sense of community.This position offers the opportunity to lead a culinary program in a mission-driven retreat environment where quality and hospitality take precedence over high-volume restaurant service.Required SkillsMinimum 21 years of age10+ years of culinary experience with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role such as Executive Chef or Sous ChefCurrent ServSafe Manager CertificationStrong culinary skills across breakfast, lunch, and dinner serviceExperience designing menus and leading a culinary program from concept to executionStrong organizational and communication skillsExperience with food costing, inventory management, and orderingAbility to lead a culinary team with professionalism and composureAbility to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods as requiredAbility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and peak-season schedulesGeneral ResponsibilitiesJob will include but not be limited to the following:Lead all culinary operations at West Creek Ranch including menu planning, preparation, and execution of guest and associate mealsEnsure food quality, presentation, and consistency meet West Creek Ranch standardsSupervise, train, and mentor kitchen associates while fostering a collaborative team cultureMaintain strict food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness standardsCoordinate meals for retreats, events, cookouts, and private gatheringsCollaborate with ranch leadership and hospitality teams to deliver an exceptional guest experienceManage kitchen inventory, ordering, and food cost controlsSupport overall ranch operations by maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented approach to hospitalityKitchen OperationsMenu DevelopmentDevelop menus that reflect the ranch setting while accommodating dietary needs and retreat schedulesPlan meals for multi-day retreats, special dinners, and ranch eventsInventory and PurchasingMaintain kitchen inventory and manage ordering of food and suppliesBuild relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure consistent quality and serviceFood SafetyEnsure compliance with all health department standards and food safety requirementsMaintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environmentTeam LeadershipStaff DevelopmentTrain and mentor kitchen associates to maintain high culinary and hospitality standardsProvide clear direction and constructive feedback to support team developmentCollaborationWork closely with ranch leadership and operations teams to ensure seamless guest experiencesFoster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and accountability within the kitchenCollaborate with Executive Chefs at other properties across AMB WestRecruiting and HiringCommunicating with culinary applicants and conducting interviewsAssist HR in overseeing associate onboarding processCompensation