Abeja Winery, located in Walla Walla, WA, seeks a dynamic Executive Chef who embodies culinary excellence and adept leadership. Our historic century-old farmstead, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Mountains, provides an idyllic backdrop for crafting exceptional wines and offering unparalleled hospitality through The Kitchen at Abeja, The Winery, The Inn, and special events. With a focus on Northwest cuisine, our kitchen invites guests to indulge in a five or seven-course prix fixe menu curated by our passionate culinary team. We prioritize creativity, flavor, and impeccable presentation while honoring the rich history of our farmstead. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences where food and wine converge to delight the senses and forge lasting memories.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Ability to operate and oversee a fine dining establishment.
Professionally lead kitchen staff by training, inspiring confidence, and motivating them to consistently perform their duties according to the highest standards.
Strong work ethic with the ability to lead under pressure.
Oversee daily operations of The Kitchen.
Solid understanding of food supplies, ordering, inventory tracking, and costing while adhering to budget.
Source culinary ingredients with a focus on quality, prioritizing local purveyors.
Develop menu plans for various group sizes.
Direct kitchen staff in meal preparation, plating, and appropriate tableside service.
Ability to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Effective communication and leadership skills.
Collaborate with Winemakers to curate food and wine pairings.
Collaborate with The Inn and Winery to prepare food to meet their culinary needs.
Proficient at hiring, training, and managing a solid team.
Ensure all safety and health regulations are adhered to.
Cater special events as needed for groups of up to 150.
Obtain constructive feedback on guest experiences, quality of food and services.
Address and proactively resolve customer concerns.
Ensure all culinary presentations are consistent and progressive.
Stay current with culinary trends, cooking, and plating techniques.

Executive Chef Requirements:

2+ years of culinary education or equivalent in the field.
5+ years of kitchen experience in fine dining.
5+ years of experience in a similar leadership position.
Advanced knowledge of food professional principles and practices.
Proficient knowledge of food and wine pairings.
Proficient knowledge of human resources management.
Excellent BOH systems, ordering and inventory.
Assist with annual budget and managing cost of goods.
Available to work on-call, shifts, after hours, over weekends and on public holidays.
Perform administrative duties.
Ability to learn new software.
Ability to track spending and create expense reports.

Benefits:

Values Based Culture
Medical, Dental, Vision
Company Contributed HSA Plan
PTO Plan
Simple IRA
Cell Phone allowance
Incentive Eligible

Abeja Winery is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy.