Executive Chef - Ram's Gate Winery

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Perched upon the rolling hills that define the landscape of the Carneros AVA, Ram's Gate welcomes visitors as they enter Sonoma's Wine Country. The vision of owner Jeff O'Neill, Ram's Gate Winery brings a new perspective on refined elegance through thoughtful farming, transparent winemaking, genuine hospitality, and sublime culinary experiences. The cornerstone of the O'Neill family portfolio, Ram's Gate is dedicated to creating compelling and uncompromising wines sourced from vineyards that encompass the spirit of Sonoma County. Its connection to the land is reflected in the breathtaking tasting room that overlooks the estate vineyard made up of 28 acres of organically farmed vines.

At Ram's Gate Winery, we believe that food is an extension of storytelling, and every dish has the power to enhance the beauty of wine and hospitality. We don't just craft wines-we curate moments. Our winery is more than a destination; it's a celebration of community, sustainability, and exceptional hospitality. Whether through the first sip of an elegant Chardonnay or the perfect pairing of a meticulously prepared dish, we strive to inspire a deep love for wine and the shared experiences it fosters. We cultivate unrivaled relationships that build brands and businesses, care for each other first, and create a work environment that builds security and confidence. As a Certified B Corporation and industry leader in sustainability, we are committed to doing the right thing for our employees, consumers, partners, and the planet-because a sustainable future starts with us. Our mission is simple: Inspire a happier & more sustainable world, one glass at a time.

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing one of the most essential components of the winery, managing all culinary operations with a focus on excellence and innovation. The Executive Chef is expected to be an active leader not only within the culinary program but across all aspects of the company, continuously seeking ways to enhance operations and elevate food quality. This requires a deep passion for the culinary arts, a profound respect for ingredients and technique, and a strong desire to educate and engage with members and guests. Reporting to the Estate Director, this role also involves constant collaboration with Events, Marketing, Membership, and other departments.

An exceptionally innovative professional, the Executive Chef brings a creative approach to cuisine design while staying at the forefront of food and wine pairing trends. With a refined understanding of flavor harmony and culinary innovation, they demonstrate a deep respect for ingredients, the kitchen, and the people behind every dish, ensuring excellence in every plate created. Their strong leadership is instrumental in implementing and maintaining a precise and unified kitchen, fostering an environment where seamless execution and top-tier quality are paramount.

Through motivation and inspiration, the Executive Chef drives their team to provide exceptional care and attention to detail in every dish served. Their visionary approach to culinary innovation attracts a diverse clientele by introducing fresh ideas to each seasonal menu and wine pairing. Ultimately, this role plays a pivotal part in shaping the winery's ongoing success, enhancing its reputation through outstanding food and hospitality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Culinary Excellence: Design and execute a world-class menu that complements the winery's selection, highlighting seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients
• Guest Experience: Craft extraordinary dining moments that captivate the senses, weaving artistry and flavor into each plate. Every dish should tell a story, evoking emotions and sparking unforgettable connections between guests, cuisine, and the vineyard's finest wines.
• Menu Development: Enchant guests with a dynamic and ever-evolving menu that not only reflects the winery's philosophy but also tells a story through exquisite wine pairings and the finest seasonal ingredients. Each dish should be a journey, awakening the senses and leaving a lasting impression of culinary artistry.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor a team of culinary professionals, fostering a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Budget & Inventory Management: Strategically oversee food cost structures, labor expenditures, and inventory optimization to ensure a seamless balance between profitability and uncompromising culinary excellence. Implement sophisticated financial strategies that enhance efficiency while preserving the integrity of premium ingredients and the luxury dining experience.
• Sustainability & Sourcing: Cultivate strong partnerships with local purveyors, organic farms, and artisanal producers to procure the finest, ethically sourced ingredients. Champion a farm-to-table philosophy that embodies the winery's commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility. Implement innovative zero-waste practices and eco-conscious initiatives that reflect the luxury standard of our culinary experience while preserving the integrity of the land and community.
• Event Collaboration: Partner with winery leadership to craft exclusive dining experiences for tastings, private events, and special occasions.
• Compliance & Safety: Uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and sanitation by implementing rigorous protocols that ensure a pristine and impeccably organized kitchen environment. Lead by example in fostering a culture of accountability, adherence to regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with Human Resources to develop and enforce workplace safety policies, training programs, and compliance initiatives that align with industry best practices and the luxury hospitality standard.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 3+ years of proven experience as an innovative Executive Chef in a high-end restaurant, luxury resort, or winery setting, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to culinary excellence.
• Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
• Expertise in wine and food pairings, with a deep understanding of culinary trends, fine dining standards, and sustainable gastronomy. A commitment to utilizing ethically sourced, organic ingredients and implementing eco-conscious culinary techniques to elevate both flavor and environmental responsibility.
• Financial acumen with expertise in strategic budgeting, cost control, and inventory management. Adept at implementing sophisticated financial strategies that optimize resources and maximize profitability
• Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven track record of fostering a highly collaborative, results-driven team environment. Adept at cultivating a culture of mutual respect, continuous learning, and seamless coordination among kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and winery leadership to ensure a unified and exceptional guest experience.
• A passion for hospitality and an ever-evolving approach to culinary artistry, driven by a deep love for people and the transformative power of exceptional dining experiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate winery events and service demands.
• Certification in California Food Handler Training and California Alcohol Server Training within 30 days of employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:

O'Neill team members are Forward Thinkers . Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver .

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Perform some repetitive motions
• Able to stand and walk for long periods
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to lift to 60lbs
• Grasp, stoop, squat, climb stairs, push, or pull, carry, and reach over the shoulder.
• Ability to talk, taste, and smell wine.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to work outdoors and indoors in varying extremes of weather including heat, cold, and rain
• Noise level is generally low to medium

O'Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) with a company match, Paid Time Off, holidays, and more.

O'Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal-opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

All candidates must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.

Salary Description

$100,000-120,000