Culinary Director

Ennismore, with its luxury brand SLS Hotels, is currently undertaking a magnificent all-inclusive project in the oasis that is Playa Mujeres, just north of Cancun, Mexico.  SLS Playa Mujeres Cancun, All-Inclusive Collection is planned to open this November 2024.

Introducing the newest gem of dazzling luxury to reach Cancun’s Playa Mujeres area: our all-inclusive hotel offers 500 luxurious keys, complemented by an impressive array of 18 distinct Food & Beverage outlets and a rejuvenating spa sanctuary. Catering to both adults seeking a getaway and families craving connection and some adventure, this hotel brings a wonderland of extraordinary experiences to Cancun, providing an array of amenities and activities tailored for travellers of all ages.

This project is not for the faint at heart.  At Ennismore, we are ambitious, and this project is a perfect example of that.  If you are looking to make your mark as we expand further into Mexico, build an exciting hotel with lots to offer, and work with some of the best and brightest in the lifestyle and luxury hospitality space, this might just be the right fit for you.

We are looking for an experienced Culinary Director to join the pre-opening team at SLS Playa Mujeres Cancun. Under the guidance of the General Manager, the Culinary Director is expected to provide training for all staff, meet SLS quality standards, establish and enforce food specifications, portion control, recipes, and sanitation. You are also responsible for controlling food and labor costs, while maximizing guest satisfaction.

The Culinary Director is the driving force behind all culinary consistency and advancement within the local market. The desired candidate must have experience in multi-outlets or similar environment as well as a full understanding and passion to the latest food trends and competitors. The focus of the Culinary Director will be to keep the culinary team at the top of innovation while maintaining daily operations to meet financial goals.

What you'll do...

• Ensure that culinary activities are aligned with the respective corporate strategy, and that the hotel actions have been implemented where appropriate.
• Prepare and update individual outlet operations manuals.
• Conduct regular communication meetings; ensure departmental briefings and meetings are effective and conducted on a regular cadence.
• Maintain the quality of food product and ensure consistency in food delivery and standards. Ensure guest satisfaction score goals are achieved and/or exceeded.
• Ensure the food product that is presented to guests is enhanced. Make changes that respond to the marketplace and to guests’ needs, both present and anticipated. Recommend changes to the food product. Use market research to develop new products.
• Provide support of a specialist nature to the Executive Committee, particularly to the Director of Food & Beverage.  Work in support of team goals and measure effectiveness through the Food and Beverage profit and service performance of the hotel.
• Select, train and develop the culinary team throughout the property.  Exercise hire, discipline, performance reviews and termination of employment discretion within SLS policies.
• Oversee divisional matters as they relate to federal, state and local employment and civil rights laws.
• Control the elements that determine profit and loss.  Responsible for all major operating expenses coming from the Culinary areas of the hotel.  Set margins and manage the business against projections.  Make decisions that relate to profit and loss.  Be responsible for the financial management of the culinary operation.
• Focus attention on improving productivity levels and the need to prudently manage utility/payroll costs within acceptable guidelines ensuring optimum deployment and energy efficiency of all equipment.
• Spend time in culinary areas observing team member-guest/team member-internal interaction, working through heads of department to coach team members as necessary.
• Oversee and assist in the recruitment and selection of all kitchen team members. 
• Give direction and leadership and be responsible for the implementation of plans.
• Monitor effectiveness and introduce changes in response to the marketplace. Set targets, plan and schedule work and performance indicators.
• Consult with the Directors of Food & Beverage, Catering/Convention Services, Sales, and Marketing as well as Outlet Managers on a weekly basis.
• Participate in long range planning. Lead, support and make recommendations for ongoing hotel programs with continuous improvement in networking.
• Ensure preparation of required reports, including (but not limited to) Wage Progress, payroll, revenue, employee Schedules, quarterly actions plans.
• Design and implement team member cafeteria rotating menu and oversee cafeteria operations, if applicable.

What we're looking for...

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, University Degree in Business, Hospitality, or Related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in an accredited restaurant or hotel in a multi-outlet environment.  Preferably in an upscale or lifestyle brand hotel.
• Must obtain any government required licenses, certificates or permits.
• Must have knowledge of food and beverage preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations
• Ability to enter and locate work related information using computers and/or point of sale systems.
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment and have a high-level attention to detail.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws governing equal employment opportunity and civil rights, occupational safety and health, wage and hour issues, and labor relations.
• You’re a strong team leader, a natural at managing and inspiring others in a way that gets the best out of them.
• You combine analytical and methodical thinking with high attention to detail and a solution-focused approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluent in Spanish and English.
• You make people feel good - your team, guests and colleagues alike.  You make a positive impact.
• You are an excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams and leaders; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together.
• You take ownership of important issues, solve problems, and make effective decisions.
• You learn quickly and adapt to SLS’s unique culture.
• You are humble and open to ideas. We leave our ego at the door and help get things done.
• You’re up for doing things differently and trying (almost) everything once.
• You want to be part of a team that works hard, supports each other and has fun along the way.

Physical abilities required…

• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 10kg without assistance.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift.
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping

What's in it for you...

• The opportunity to join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• The chance to challenge the norm and work in an environment that is both creative and rewarding.
• Become part of a team that’s very passionate about creating great hospitality experiences and exploring new locations at every opportunity.
• A competitive package and plenty of opportunity for development.
• Excellent discounts across the entire Ennismore family of brands.

SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021.