Chef De Cuisine - Quick Hire!
Posted on October 24, 2025
The Santa Monica Proper Hotel is a distinguished boutique hotel that embodies a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury right in the heart of Santa Monica. This 267-room property is notable for its unique architectural fusion of historic retrofit and modern construction. The hotel boasts exquisite interior designs conceived by internationally acclaimed style icon Kelly Wearstler, creating a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere for all guests. Complementing this lavish environment are their tantalizing dining options, curated by some of the most talented local culinary stars, as well as the iconic rooftop lounge and swimming pool that offer breathtaking views and an elevated experience. With an expansive 16,000 square feet of versatile, sophisticated meeting and event space, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel is dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for visitors, whether for leisure or business purposes.
We are currently seeking a highly experienced and creative Chef de Cuisine to lead the culinary operations at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. This critical role is designed for a culinary professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences while upholding the highest standards of excellence that Proper Hotels are known for. The Chef de Cuisine will play a pivotal role in shaping the food culture of the hotel by combining innovative, locally-inspired cuisine with top-tier operational management. Working closely with the Executive Chef, the person in this position will be responsible for the overall success and quality of the culinary offerings across all dining outlets.
The Chef de Cuisine's responsibilities include directing daily kitchen operations, overseeing seasonal menu execution, maintaining impeccable food quality and presentation standards, and leading menu planning and recipe development. This role demands expertise in managing kitchen teams, including training, scheduling, evaluating performance, and fostering a positive work culture. Additionally, the Chef de Cuisine will be instrumental in controlling food and labor costs, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to collaborate with various departments within the hotel and directly contribute to delivering an exceptional culinary experience that blends innovative flavors with Proper Hospitality's renowned standards. Candidates should be experienced in high-volume, fine dining environments, ideally with a background in California cuisine and local sourcing to reflect the vibrant culinary scene of Santa Monica.
- Culinary Arts degree or equivalent professional certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Food Handler's Certification
- First Aid and CPR certification preferred
- Minimum 5-7 years experience in luxury hotels or high-end restaurants
- At least 3 years in a sous chef or supervisory role
- Experience in high-volume, fine dining operations
- Background in California cuisine and local sourcing preferred
- Ability to stand and work for extended periods
- Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
- Tolerance for extreme temperatures
- Manual dexterity for food preparation
- Stamina for long service periods
- Available to work flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays