At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the galley team and ensure smooth culinary operations onboard.
- Company: Join Disney Cruise Line, where magic meets unforgettable experiences at sea.
- Benefits: Enjoy major medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan.
- Why this job: Create cherished memories while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in high-volume culinary leadership; culinary degree preferred.
- Other info: This is a shipboard role; must be ready to live and work at sea.
Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and forming genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can live and work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today.
As a Chef de Cuisine (CDC) you will provide leadership to the galley team and ensure a seamless operation of your assigned galley and hotel stores. You will coordinate all food offerings, including group offerings and special requests. You will conduct regular inspections and oversee the training for crew and monitor all culinary standards. You will report to the Assistant Manager Food Operations.
Responsibilities:- Follow company recipe guidelines for assigned responsibilities using recipe booklets, plate presentation and audits.
- Meet food cost budgets and targets as set by the Food Manager onboard.
- Order stores for assigned responsibilities by using the Materials Management System (MMS), an online electronic ordering system, for up to 3,000 meals daily.
- Inventory control (par levels turn over and replenishment).
- Monitor handling and maintenance of operating equipment; report maintenance needs through onboard electronic maintenance request system.
- Organize staff meetings.
- Provide leadership for all direct reports, including managing personnel files, conducting performance reviews, ensuring MLC compliance, monitoring time keeping system, onboard training, crew development, and crew recognition and communication.
- 4+ years of experience working as a leader within a high level hotel or restaurant, overseeing a high volume culinary operation.
- Certified working Chef or equivalent degree in Culinary Arts.
- Demonstrated career progression within the culinary field.
- Working knowledge of food and beverage products, services, and equipment.
- Calculate and control cost potentials/projections and understand the impact of the overall budget.
- Write and implement high-quality menus based on themed and seasonal availability.
- Write and cost recipes, and train the team to implement them at the highest standards.
- Lead culinary team within assigned responsibilities.
- Demonstrate natural initiative to undertake or continue a task or activity.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage multi-functional and diverse areas.
- Able to work under pressure of tight timeframes, deadlines and financial goals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- College degree in Culinary Arts, preferred.
This is a SHIPBOARD role. Benefits offered year-round, on contract and off-contract, as long as return contract is signed, including Major Medical Coverage, Short & Long-term Disability, Life Insurance and Retirement Savings Plan Option.
You must:
- Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel.
- Be willing to follow and perform safety role, emergency responsibilities and associated responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan.
- Be willing to uphold the general safety management responsibilities as specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control.
- If applicable, be willing to share a confined cabin with other crew members and appreciate working and living in a multicultural environment that has strict rules and regulations.
- Have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (DCL will provide you with documents to obtain this).
- Complete a pre-employment medical.
- Obtain a criminal background check.
- Bring approved work shoes.
Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace. All new hires are required to undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts. Failure to pass the drug/alcohol testing will result in immediate termination.
Chef de Cuisine employer: Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company
Contact Detail:
Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Cuisine
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Disney's culinary standards and values. Understanding their commitment to quality and guest experience will help you align your leadership style with their expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Disney Cruise Line employees. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what it takes to succeed as a Chef de Cuisine on board.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing high-volume culinary operations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed costs, and maintained high standards under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for working at sea and in a multicultural environment. Highlight any previous experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and enthusiasm for this unique lifestyle.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef de Cuisine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Chef de Cuisine at Disney Cruise Line. Familiarise yourself with their culinary standards and expectations to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership experience in high-volume culinary operations. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage a team and meet food cost budgets.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: Include details about your culinary qualifications, such as your degree in Culinary Arts and any certifications. Provide examples of high-quality menus you've created and how you've trained teams to implement them.
Express Your Passion for the Role: In your cover letter, convey your genuine interest in working at sea and your enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences for guests. Highlight your adaptability to multicultural environments and your commitment to safety and teamwork.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company
✨Showcase Your Culinary Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey in detail. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've held. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team and maintained high culinary standards.
✨Understand Disney's Values
Familiarise yourself with Disney's core values and how they translate into the culinary world. Be ready to explain how you can contribute to creating magical experiences for guests while ensuring safety and quality in food service.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading a diverse team. Provide examples of how you've motivated staff, conducted training, and handled performance reviews. Emphasise your ability to manage multiple responsibilities under pressure.
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your knowledge of food cost management and budgeting. Be ready to discuss how you've previously calculated costs, controlled budgets, and implemented menu pricing strategies to meet financial goals.