Disney Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Posting Title:

Head Chef - Cotino, A Storyliving by Disney Community

Req ID:

10155864

Job Description:

Head Chef - Cotino, A Storyliving by Disney Community

About the Role:

As the Head Chef for the Artisan Club at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, you will lead the culinary experience to deliver exceptional "World-Class" dining within a private club environment. In this role, you will directly influence the dining experience for guests, using your skills such as strategic planning, collaboration, and creativity.

As the Head Chef for the Artisan Club at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community, you will lead the kitchen operations highlighting the excellent execution of upscale and casual dining for the Artisan Club table-service restaurant, beach bar and events. In this role, you will implement and maintain initiatives such as sustainability work, cost of sales, health & wellness, and reducing kitchen waste. You will assist in the development of unique food offerings, innovative culinary experiences, and setting trends for Club Members within various styles of service including table service and events.

This role will be onsite at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, California and will report to the General Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of culinary professionals, providing leadership, support, and development to ensure high performance and accountability, creating a positive environment that encourages ownership and accountability
• Adapt to departmental priorities, manage performance, and guide your team to meet quality, volume, and timeliness objectives
• Oversee and work alongside food handlers daily, including shift coverage on banquet, hot and cold lines as well as prep and cleaning
• Comprehensive understanding of training protocols and lead training of line-level staff and stewards
• Create new and higher quality service and product standards
• Innovate food combinations, textures, and flavors to create new flavor experiences
• Educate Culinary Cast Members on seasonal products, culinary styles, and techniques
• Inspire and educate Cast Members and Guests on fads, trends, lifestyles, and special dietary needs with consideration of product, equipment, and cost
• Understand, support, and teach the "role in the show" cuisine concept
• Inspire, provide direction, and drive effectiveness of the Leadership Team
• Develop Direct Reports as individuals and as a team by providing a work environment within which they excel
• Hold Direct Reports accountable for job performance, including but not limited to adherence to safety and culinary standards
• Ensure that products are properly ordered, received and stored
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of equipment and facilities
• Identify, mediate or negotiate effective resolution to conflict
• Ensure operational compliance Food & Beverage Standards, Loss Prevention Standards, State of California, and Food Safety Standards

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum eight years of Culinary Management experience in a Club. upscale or fine dining environment
• Minimum Five Years in a Head Chef or equivalent position
• Ability to inspire creativity and innovation that adapts to our business.
• Skilled in strategic planning and culinary management
• Proficient in managing inventory and scheduling
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
• Innovative and creative mindset
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Demonstrated computer proficiency and comfort working in various operational systems including point of sale and inventory management

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven drive and understanding of the Disney Culture, opportunities, and strategies to achieve best-in-class results
• Knowledge of industry trends and practical business applications that contribute to greater results while utilizing fewer tools
• Demonstrated knowledge of wines, pairings and spirits/sommelier certification
• Experience in developing annual operating plans; controlling labor expense and foods costs
• Strong focus on research and development that leverages trends, technology, and creative thinking
• Ability to speak and present to large groups of people, including Company Executives

Required Education:

• Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Sciences, or related field

Preferred Education:

• Advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Sciences

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position is $110,000.00-$147,500.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Storyliving by Disney (SLbD)

Job Posting Primary Business:

SLbD - Cotino

Primary Job Posting Category:

Culinary

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Palm Desert, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-17