Chef Placed

Director of Culinary Operations, FISHER ISLAND CLUB, Fisher Island, FL

Director of Culinary Operations, FISHER ISLAND CLUB, Fisher Island, FL

Fisher Island Club is a private luxury community located off the tip of South Beach and is made up of 216 acres and approximately 800 residences representing over 40 countries. Accessible only by ferryboat or private yacht, Fisher Island Club is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest zip codes in the U.S.

The private membership-only club boasts a Beach Club with one of the country’s only truly private beaches; a 15-room all suite luxury hotel; a 9-hole, award-winning P.B. Dye championship golf course; 17 tennis courts featuring all four “Grand Slam” surfaces plus 4 pickleball courts, two deep-water marinas; a variety of casual and formal dining venues; a full-service spa, salon and fitness center; the Vanderbilt Theater; an aviary with over a dozen exotic birds; and an observatory for stargazing.

Fisher Island is exclusive & private. This Miami Beach resort alternative and luxury country club offers members and guests the finest residential and recreational amenities to be found anywhere in the world.

Position Specific: The Director of Culinary Operations (DOC) is responsible for all culinary activities of the club including all restaurants, catering and the Island Market.  This position will oversee all activity in the kitchen, train personnel, plan menus, oversee production, direct purchasing practices and manage culinary budget.  Constant R&D to concept improvements and supportive systems for property wide implementation. Will collaborate with all F&B personnel to ensure optimal efficiencies with respect to member satisfaction, operational standard and supporting culinary personnel.  The simple objective is to enhance and refine respected programs, making it increasingly appealing with relevance for members and current in best business practices.

This position requires high level culinary skills, passionate leadership and proven ability to develop a top-quality culinary program. This position requires willpower and grit to take the operation to higher levels. The DOC is responsible for delivering consistently exceptional cuisine while ensuring an efficient operation. The DOC must be a respected “role model” for the team, possessing a charisma with exceptional communication and a visible/approachable manner for the membership.

Initial Priorities:

  1. Menu Innovation – Be passionate about food and will keep up with the latest food trends which should be reflective in an ever-changing menus. The Director will continually reinvent all things culinary.
  2. Ensuring Highest Quality Standards – Build and motivate a strong culinary team; provide training, mentoring & coaching and professional development opportunities for kitchen staff.
  3. Consistency – Evaluate and improve current operations for enhanced systems and consistency in product, and services in all areas.
  4. Professionalism – Set the example “striving for excellence” in all areas of the operation, with personnel and with member interaction.

  • The major thrust of the position is to enhance by elevating a professional culinary operation of the highest standards, or worldly abilities and with increased efficiencies.
  • The role of the DOC is complete responsibility for the culinary program, with presence influences modifications/improvements in response to everchanging culinary trends and member desires.
  • The DOC serves as a role model and will sets high standard for culinary personnel, high-quality services, programming and freshest of products served in a highly consistent manner.
  • The DOC is a Proven Team Builder; a dedicated mentor and has a goal to build a culinary dynasty (of future club chefs).
  • In conjunction with F&B management team, assist in maintaining a high level of service approaches and principles in accordance with established standards.
  • The DOC in conjunction with the Director of F&B will prepare necessary data for the budget; projects annual food, labor and other costs and monitors actual financial results; takes corrective action as necessary to help assure that financial goals are met.
  • The DOC will be visible and present in all kitchen areas during service, touching tables, following special requests, welcoming members and inquire with members about their experience.

Additional Information:

  • Annual food sales $6.5MM; Total F&B Sales $9MM.
  • The Club currently maintains a 35% food cost. Sales are a mix of 90% a la carte (including delivery) and 10% Private and club events.
  • The Club has multiple Senior Culinary Managers including four Executive Chefs (Chef de Cuisine of respected outlet), a Pastry Chef, a Banquet Chef; the position is supported by a Purchasing Manager.
  • The Club maintains 6 kitchens offering various styled world cuisines including sushi, Italian and the freshest seafood and steak concepts. There is a Capital replacement plan in place.
  • 800 members who are well-traveled and have adventurous palates, whose average age is 62 are highly supportive of the club.
  • The Club operates 12 months annually. (Closed Christmas Day). High season at this busy year-round club is November – April.
  • The DOC reports to the Food & Beverage Director and works with the Director of Service, Catering Director and CFO.

A la Carte Dining:

The Beach Club – Serving breakfast and lunch, this outdoor venue is a member favorite.

Porto Cervo – A delightful Italian culinary experience.

Garwood Lounge & Piano Bar – Delicious signature steaks and chops with a variety of butters and sauces, as well as fresh seafood dishes.

City View & Library – Enjoy the fresh ocean breeze with a spectacular view of the iconic Miami skyline.

Greenside – Casual dining on the Club terrace at the Golf Clubhouse.

La Trattoria – Italian Eatery serving Lunch & Dinner.

Island Market – The Club’s Gourmet Market.

Delivery Dining – Always raising the bar for members wishing “To Go” dining delivered to their homes.

Private Parties/Member Events – The Vanderbilt Mansion, ballroom, outdoor terraces and other unique venues throughout provide intimate gatherings to an extravagant wedding experience

A compensation package will include a generous base salary and performance bonus, excellent benefits consisting of medical & life insurance, 401K, vacation and ACF dues and conference.  Interested individuals should send resumes, a well-conceived cover letter, and supporting information (a digital portfolio is encouraged).  Click Here to upload your information:

Work with DMA, a team of proven culinary professionals to help advance your career.

“Miami’s Most Exclusive Private Island Beach Club”

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