Fleet Executive Chef

Application Deadline: 31 December 2025

Department: Galley

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: Senior Fleet Executive Chef

Description

The Fleet Executive Chef is responsible for establishing the high-end food products within the Seabourn Fleet, developing the menu, new concepts, training the onboard team, and complying with all HESS processes. Management of all shipboard food operations to ensure that the line's high standards of cuisine are achieved and maintained within the budgetary limitations established as company policy. 

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Operational Manager and onboard management with culinary-related projects, including new ships openings and special projects.
• Menu Engineering: Designing and standardizing menus for different venues or outlets, ensuring consistency in quality and presentation while also considering regional preferences and seasonal availability. During the ship visit, check that all the outlets are operating with the standard menu, that the setup is correct, and that the recipe is readily available.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that all food served meets the organization’s standards. This includes regular visits to various ship locations to audit practices.
• Supervision: Training galley staff and ensuring they are up to date with the latest culinary techniques and trends.
• Cost Management: Working with the supply chain and managing inventory to control food costs. Assist in sourcing ingredients and planning cost-effective menus without compromising on quality.
• Waste Control: Essential to maintain our focus on achieving food waste goals while ensuring full compliance with the Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP).
• Innovation: Keeping up with culinary trends and incorporating them into the organization's offerings. This might involve experimenting with new techniques, ingredients, or technologies in the galley.
• Regularly analyze guest comments in Medallia regarding culinary experiences, using feedback to enhance training programs.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensuring all galley complies with health and safety regulations.
• Collaboration: Working with other departments such as marketing, supply chain, restaurant & bar team, planning and talent acquisition. This includes both shipboard and shoreside team.
• Recruitment: Collaborating with the talent acquisition team and other relevant departments to determine the staffing needs within the culinary department, identifying skill gaps, and specifying the qualifications required for various chef positions, actively involved with interviewing people.
• Ensures that promotions & career development are dealt with in accordance with established procedures. [Succession plan policy].
• Training: Ensure that apprentices receive comprehensive training in various kitchen operations as per the curriculum, including food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and hygiene practices. This includes Monitoring, Evaluation, and Documentation
• Crew Food: Ensure that crew menus are well-balanced, providing a variety of healthy and nutritious options to meet the diverse dietary preferences of the crew members. Ensure rotational menus are followed consistently, offering variety to avoid menu fatigue.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education:

• A relevant degree from an accredited culinary college or university, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification from an accredited advanced food safety program. 

Experience:

• 5+ year experience in a supervisory position, preferably in a multi-nationality setting with a proven ability to provide orientation and training.
• 7+ years of experience in a 5 star+ hotel, cruise ship or high-profile restaurant performing the functions of a similar position.
• Experience in high volume operation of at least 1,000 meals per service.

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to effectively read, write and speak English.
• Extensive knowledge in VSP preferred.
• Proven ability to provide culinary supervision, training and delegation of at least 50 culinary subordinates.
• Extensive kitchen machinery and knife safety knowledge.
• Experience working in all major culinary brigade stations with extensive knowledge in designated station.
• Working knowledge of computers and the ability to navigate within a variety of software programs.
• Proficient in Ship San, Canada PH, USPH, Brazilian PH, and HACCP standards to ensure compliance with international food safety regulations is preferred. 

Leadership Expectations:

• Visionary Leadership: Able to set a clear vision for the culinary direction of the company.
• Strong Communication Skills: Must effectively communicate with all levels of staff, from galley hands to senior management, ensuring clarity in instructions, feedback, and expectations.
• Team Building and Management: Expected to foster a positive and productive work environment, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. 
• Decision-Making Ability: Capable of making quick, effective decisions, particularly under pressure. This includes handling operational challenges, staffing issues, and strategic pivots in the menu or concept.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Able to identify problems quickly, develop solutions, and implement changes to prevent recurrence.
• Commitment to Quality: Upholding high standards of food quality and cleanliness, ensuring that all food offering represents the company well and consistently exceeds customer expectations.
• Adaptability: Being flexible in a fast-paced industry, adapting to changes in consumer preferences, market conditions, and business objectives.
• Financial: Understanding budgeting, forecasting, and cost control in culinary operations, ensuring the department operates within financial constraints while producing top-quality offerings.
• Ethical Leadership: Ensuring that the operations adhere to legal and ethical standards, promoting sustainability, fair working practices, and respect for all staff.

Physical Demands & Travel

Physical Demands:

For the safety of yourself and others on board certain physical abilities shall be maintained. Must be able to bend, climb, perform repetitive motion, and repetitively heavy lift. 
Must maintain physical fitness to perform tasks associated with job.