Guest Ranch Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Lead

Reports To: Location Manager
Department: Food amp; Beverage

Lead an Exceptional Culinary Experience in a One-of-a-Kind Guest Ranch Setting

Nestled among breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable outdoor experiences, our guest ranch offers guests an authentic yet elevated Western hospitality experience. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Kitchen Lead to guide our culinary team and help create memorable dining experiences that are an essential part of every guest’s stay.

This role is ideal for a culinary professional who enjoys hands-on leadership, values exceptional hospitality, and thrives in a unique destination environment where teamwork, quality, and guest satisfaction are at the center of everything we do.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Lead is responsible for leading the Back of House team in delivering exceptional food quality, consistency, and service. This position works closely with the Location Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations while fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.

The Kitchen Lead serves as both a mentor and working leader, helping train staff, maintain culinary standards, and support the overall guest experience that makes our ranch truly special.

What You'll DoDeliver Outstanding Guest Experiences

• Ensure every meal reflects the quality and hospitality standards of the ranch.
• Execute menus and recipes consistently and to the highest standards.
• Maintain exceptional food presentation and quality.
• Recognize that dining is an important part of each guest’s ranch experience.

Lead and Inspire the Culinary Team

• Supervise cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers.
• Provide daily coaching, training, and support.
• Foster teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
• Create a positive kitchen culture focused on excellence and hospitality.

Train and Develop Staff

• Train team members on recipes, cooking techniques, sanitation practices, and service standards.
• Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
• Identify training needs and support employee growth.
• Promote safe and efficient kitchen practices.

Support Kitchen Operations

• Assist with food ordering, inventory, and receiving deliveries.
• Monitor kitchen logs, temperature records, and food safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, and company standards.
• Partner with the Location Manager to improve operations and identify efficiencies.

Maintain Safety and Standards

• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety practices.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and local regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen environment.
• Support company environmental and quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of kitchen leadership experience.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Culinary, hospitality, or related degree preferred.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
• Commitment to hospitality, quality, and guest service.

Physical Requirements

This position requires working on your feet for the majority of the shift in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and movement throughout the kitchen are required.

• Frequently lift up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Kitchen Leads:

• Spend much of their day coaching, mentoring, and supporting the kitchen team.
• Ensure food quality and presentation consistently exceed expectations.
• Review and complete all kitchen logs and food safety documentation.
• Work closely with leadership to plan menus, ordering needs, and operational goals.
• Step into operational roles during busy meal periods and support the team wherever needed.
• Contribute to an environment where employees feel supported and guests feel genuinely cared for.

Why Work Here?

Working at our guest ranch offers more than just a job—it provides the opportunity to become part of a hospitality team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, and a close-knit team environment, you'll have the chance to grow your culinary leadership skills while helping guests create lifelong memories.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.