Career Opportunities

Executive Chef

    • Job Tracking ID: 512450-902442
    • Job Location: Greenville, SC
    • Date Updated: September 10, 2025
    • Years of Experience: Not Applicable
    • Starting Date: ASAP
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Job Description:

About Hotel Hartness
Nestled on a scenic 444-acre estate in Greenville, South Carolina, Hotel Hartness is a premier boutique hotel that blends Southern elegance with refined, modern hospitality. Featuring multiple culinary venues—including Patterson Kitchen + Bar, The Captain, banquet spaces, and off-site catering—Hotel Hartness is a culinary destination in its own right.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and innovative Executive Chef to lead our dynamic culinary team and elevate every dining experience across the property.

Position Overview

The Executive Chef at Hotel Hartness is responsible for the overall back-of-house operations, including multiple outlets, banquet execution, menu development, kitchen staff leadership, and cost controls. This hands-on leadership role requires creativity, strategic thinking, strong financial acumen, and a relentless focus on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of all culinary outlets, including Patterson Kitchen + Bar, The Captain, banquets, off-site catering, breakfast room, and stewarding.

  • Recruit, train, manage, and inspire the culinary and stewarding teams.

  • Foster a team environment that supports Hotel Hartness’ 'Host Philosophy' — encouraging multi-skilled associates who go beyond job titles to enhance the guest experience.

  • Ensure all food items meet exceptional taste, presentation, and timing standards.

Menu & Culinary Innovation

  • Design seasonal and trend-driven menus tailored to hotel guests, special events, and group functions.

  • Develop and document standardized recipes and plating guides.

  • Source high-quality ingredients with a focus on local, fresh products.

  • Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Director and Corporate Culinary Team on creative concepts and menu evolution.

Financial & Strategic Management

  • Develop and manage kitchen budgets, including labor, food cost, and inventory control.

  • Analyze food and labor costs to ensure profitability without compromising quality.

  • Secure vendor partnerships that align with Hotel Hartness standards while optimizing pricing and availability.

Guest Experience & Events

  • Ensure culinary excellence across all events, including weddings, private dining, holidays, and off-site catering.

  • Work closely with the Sales and Events teams to craft custom menus and deliver flawless execution.

  • Participate in promotional and media opportunities to highlight the culinary offerings of the hotel.

Health & Safety

  • Enforce and model compliance with HACCP, health department regulations, and sanitation protocols.

  • Ensure proper equipment use, kitchen cleanliness, and food safety at all times.

  • Conduct routine inspections and training on health and safety procedures.

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in a luxury hotel, fine dining, or high-volume upscale environment.

  • Degree or certification in Culinary Arts preferred.

  • Proven experience managing multi-outlet and banquet operations.

  • Strong financial understanding of budgeting, forecasting, food/labor cost controls.

  • Passion for fresh, local, seasonal cuisine and creative menu design.

  • Hands-on leadership style with a track record of team development and retention.

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

  • ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain.


Hay Creek Hotels ensures all candidates are able to apply for employment. If you require a reasonable accommodation or assistance in completing an online application, please contact the local Human Resource office at the hotel in which you are applying.