Culinary Director at The Walt Disney Company

New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong SAR

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Entertainment, Hospitality, Theme ParksIndustries

Requirements

Hands-on culinary approach with expertise in pre-opening and opening new F&B formats and locations
Experience in strategic planning and administration in culinary operations
Ability to act as interface with key partners in pro forma development, restaurant design, kitchen equipment selection, construction, menu concept, supply chain development, and food sourcing strategy
Skills in recruitment, training, and providing strategic/operational leadership to large groups of cast members
Passionate and committed to high quality and innovative food and service experiences
Ability to articulate and communicate vision and objectives effectively
Expertise in driving service culture through coaching and management procedures
Proficiency in talent development, identifying training needs, coaching, and creating reward/incentive programs
Skills in interpreting sales and service performance indicators to motivate teams
Ability to build partnerships with Disney’s worldwide F&B support teams
Experience in reviewing processes for effectiveness/efficiency and balancing resources with business fluctuations
Focus on product/facility development to enhance guest experience and drive business results
Financial management skills, including P&L oversight, expense monitoring, performance analysis, and resourcing decisions
Ability to create comprehensive menu strategies, project plans with milestones/timelines from concept menus
Experience opening/operating test kitchens to develop recipes and processes
Collaboration skills with Sourcing and Procurement for ingredients, vendors, documentation, cooking instructions, training, and food presentation
Hiring and training key culinary talent, developing training plans for operating/creative intent

Responsibilities

Lead pre-opening, opening, and ongoing daily culinary operations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL)
Provide vision, leadership, and direction for guest, cast, and financial objectives; develop supporting strategies and align with Disney global initiatives
Act as leader, mentor, and coach for salaried and non-salaried cast members' development
Clearly articulate and communicate F&B Operations vision and objectives to all cast
Drive and maintain friendly, sincere service culture via performance coaching and management procedures
Develop and manage talent through training needs identification, coaching, and reward/incentive programs
Ensure development plans for career growth at all levels and execute them
Interpret sales/service indicators to motivate and enhance team performance
Develop strong partnerships with Disney worldwide F&B support teams
Review department processes for effectiveness/efficiency
Balance resources with seasonal/annual business levels
Identify and pursue product/facility development opportunities, mindful of Operating Income, and communicate to Senior HKDL Executives
Manage F&B Culinary Operations P&L, monitor financial performance, expenses, and Operating Income short/long-term
Analyze performance/financial data to prioritize actions, drive resourcing, and capacity planning
Create comprehensive menu strategies and project plans with milestones/timelines for all restaurant locations
Open and operate test kitchen to develop recipes and operating processes
Work with Sourcing and Procurement to define recipe ingredients, identify local vendors, document menus, cooking instructions, training, and food presentation
Hire and train key culinary talent for all locations
Develop training plans to convey operating and creative intent for menus
Partner with and support Sourcing and Procurement on creative initiatives

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Culinary OperationsFood & Beverage ManagementMenu DevelopmentSupply Chain DevelopmentFood SourcingKitchen Equipment SelectionRestaurant DesignTeam LeadershipRecruitmentTrainingCoachingTalent DevelopmentStrategic PlanningService Culture

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for the Culinary Director position?

The position is full time.

Where is the Culinary Director role located?

The role is based at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL).

What leadership skills are required for the Culinary Director?

The role requires providing vision, leadership, and direction; acting as a leader, mentor, and coach; driving a friendly service culture through coaching; and developing strong partnerships with Disney teams.

What is the company culture like for this role at Disney?

The culture emphasizes a friendly and sincere service culture, talent development through coaching and incentives, career growth plans, and supporting Disney global initiatives.

What makes a strong candidate for the Culinary Director position?

A strong candidate is passionate, committed to high quality and innovative food and service experiences, with a hands-on culinary approach and strategic planning skills.