Job Description

Welcome to the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don’t just create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we’re more than a resort. As a major employer, we provide thousands of jobs and career growth opportunities while delivering exceptional service. Our associates take care of millions of guests each year, making every visit special.

Beyond our walls, we’re making a difference. Through our partnership with charity: water, we’re committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making waves in the Mid-Atlantic with our newest location in Spotsylvania, Virginia, expected to open in 2026. Our fifth resort will feature over 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center.

Executive Chef - Director of Culinary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking an Executive Chef – Director of Culinary. We’re seeking a visionary Executive Chef / Director of Culinary to run the culinary experience at our brand-new Spotsylvania, VA. The resort is opening soon. This is a rare opportunity to shape the culinary identity from the ground up — from concept to execution — as a key member of the opening leadership team. In this senior role, you’ll oversee all culinary operations across multiple outlets, lead and inspire a high-performing kitchen team, drive menu innovation, manage food and labor costs, and ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest satisfaction. From strategic planning to hands-on execution, you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing an exceptional dining vision to life.

This role goes far beyond the kitchen. You’ll be driving strategic direction, building and mentoring a world-class team, managing budgets, and curating unforgettable dining experiences that will set the tone for everything to come. If you’re passionate about innovation, excellence, and creating something truly special, we want to hear from you.

THIS POSITION IS ONBOARDING NOW, OPENING NOVEMBER 2026. In ramp up to opening, this position may require up to 75% travel between our corporate offices in Wisconsin, our Virginia test kitchen, and existing properties. When preparing to open the resort and beyond, travel will be minimal.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Culinary Operations across all resort dining venues, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Build & Manage a High-Performing Team, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and professionalism.
• Manage Budgets & Costs by overseeing food, labor, inventory, and vendor relationships to ensure profitability.
• Uphold Safety & Compliance standards, maintaining strict food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Enhance the Guest Experience through collaboration with F&B teams and a visible leadership presence.
• Support Resort Strategy by aligning culinary experiences with branding, marketing, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Oversee Kitchen Facilities, ensuring equipment readiness and long-term operational efficiency.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3–5 years in an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef role.
• Extensive resort or luxury hotel experience (4-star or 5-star properties preferred).
• Proven success managing multi-outlet operations, including restaurants, banquets, room service, and special events
• Strong background in budgeting, food and labor cost control, inventory management, and vendor negotiation.
• Experience in pre-opening or launching new restaurant concepts is a major plus (and often required for new resorts).
• Culinary Degree or Diploma from an accredited culinary school (or equivalent experience).

Company Mission

We promise to deliver products and services beyond expectations.

Recruiting Vision

We understand that the individual is the most important element in the recruitment process. In mirroring the spirit of the brand, we promise authenticity, curiosity, honesty, and follow-through. Whether a current opening exists or not, relationship building is critical to the success of our company.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

• Our team enjoys a comprehensive and attractive benefits plan:
• Promotion from within
• Mental, Financial, Physical, Work/Life, and Career wellness initiatives
• Educational opportunities
• Full and varied benefits package available for full-time associates
• 401(k) with company match
• Appreciation days, parties, and retention programs
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Discounts and resort perks

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions frequently receives awards and accolades for taking care of its associates and guests. Recognition includes Forbes' America’s Best Midsize Employers, Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 World’s Coolest Indoor Waterparks, Best Family-Friendly Meeting Hotel and Resort in Smart Meeting’s Smart Stars Awards, Parents’ Magazine Kids’ Travel Award Winner, and TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Current locations include Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (2000); Sandusky, Ohio (2005); Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania (2015); Round Rock, Texas (2020); and Spotsylvania County, Virginia (2026).

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an equal opportunity employer.

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