Chef de Cuisine (The Restaurant at JUSTIN) - Dinner Service

Company Description

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is more than a beautiful place to drink exceptional wine. It’s a unique viticultural microclimate. It’s a one-MICHELIN-starred restaurant. It’s a Forbes 5-Star and Five Diamonds by AAA hospitality experience. It's world-class service at the JUST INN. 

Join our award-winning culinary team at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. We are seeking a seasoned Chef de Cuisine with a proven track record of crafting exceptional high-end cuisine and a strong background in MICHELIN, Forbes 5-Star, or AAA 5-Diamond hospitality to help us continue delivering a world-class dining experience.

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in overseeing dinner culinary operations within the Restaurant at JUSTIN, including all special events and future culinary programs. In managing day-to-day kitchen operations, the Chef de Cuisine partners directly with the Pastry, Farmstead, and Restaurant teams to facilitate a luxury dining experience to the Chef’s standards, guided by MICHELIN and Forbes criteria. 

This full-time position is based at the JUSTIN Estate: 11680 Chimney Rock Road, Paso Robles, CA. 

Job Description

• Uphold food quality and standards set by the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef, maintaining or exceeding MICHELIN and Forbes levels
• Lead menu innovation and recipe creation, introducing current trends, techniques, and flavors while aligning with the restaurant’s brand and Executive Chef's vision
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and proper delegation through prep lists, line checks, and lineups
• Partner with the farmstead to plan crops, manage inventory, and adjust menus to minimize waste and maximize product usage
• Maintains sustainable practices focused on sourcing local, quality ingredients by partnering with existing and new farmers, including our own farmstead, while continuing to develop these programs
• Maintain kitchen inventory, ordering, and proper storage of items/ingredients
• Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards in compliance with all health codes; ensure proper use of equipment with an emphasis on safety and hygiene
• Coach, train, and mentor sous chefs, line cooks, and junior staff; assign tasks and provide clear direction
• Expedite at the pass to ensure seamless flow of service in partnership with the front of house
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef, FOH managers, sous chefs, and farmstead managers to ensure smooth service
• Manage bi-weekly payroll (within budget), annual reviews, hiring, and performance management for the Sous Chefs and line-level staff
• Manage budgets for food and operating costs related to the Culinary and The Restaurant departments
• Responsible for the procurement of produce and supplies
• Handle multiple projects with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while working effectively with diverse personalities
• Maintain consistent product evaluation through regular tastings and presentation checks
• Continually advance knowledge of current trends, techniques, and flavors to introduce into menu enhancements

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of fine-dining culinary experience in a MICHELIN, Forbes 5-Star, or AAA 5-Diamond setting is required
• Minimum 2 years of management experience, including building, training, and mentoring high-performing teams required
• 1+ year of wine sales experience
• Culinary degree preferred
• Genuine passion for culinary operations and pursuit of perfection to create memorable experiences
• Proven track record of working under pressure while maintaining composure, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail
• Availability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed
• Ability to establish direction, secure commitment, and execute effective management processes
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities
• Proven success working with others, excellent communication skills, and ability to relate to people at all levels as a mentor and educator
• Strong organizational skills and a solution-oriented mindset

Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000 and may include a discretionary bonus.  Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

Additional Information

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including: 
  • 24/7 online physician consultations 
  • virtual mental health resources 
  • life coaching 
  • engaging employee community groups 
  • cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness