Salt & Ash Executive Chef
view of a man and woman working behind a front desk

Description

Hawks Cay Resort blends tropical luxury with the adventurous spirit of the Florida Keys, creating an unparalleled island escape on the secluded 60-acre island of Duck Key. This 177-room resort, featuring Caribbean-inspired rooms and private villas, offers five sparkling pools, a full-service marina, and unique experiences like dolphin encounters and world-class dining at Salt + Ash by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford. With exceptional service and endless aquatic adventures, Hawks Cay delivers a vibrant yet relaxing retreat in the heart of the Keys.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead and manage all culinary operations for Salt and Ash, including menu planning, execution, and presentation

  • Develop seasonal, locally inspired menus that reflect the restaurant’s elevated coastal concept

  • Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, cultivating a positive, high-performing team culture

  • Oversee food cost, labor cost, and inventory to achieve budgeted goals and maintain profitability

  • Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and sanitation in compliance with local health regulations

  • Collaborate with the F&B leadership team on service flow, guest experience enhancements, and promotional opportunities

  • Conduct regular quality and consistency checks, addressing guest feedback proactively

  • Maintain vendor relationships and ensure sourcing of top-quality, sustainable ingredients

  • Stay current with culinary trends and introduce fresh ideas that align with the Salt and Ash brand

Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-end, full-service restaurant

  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to build, train, and inspire a kitchen team

  • Deep understanding of seasonal, local, and sustainable cuisine, preferably with a coastal or wood-fire focus

  • Strong business acumen and experience managing budgets, cost control, and labor

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills

  • Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred

  • ServSafe Certification (or equivalent food safety training)

Working Conditions:
  • Fast-paced kitchen and resort environment

  • May require working evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business demands

Why Join Us:

Salt and Ash is more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary destination within one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic resorts. As Executive Chef, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a bold, memorable dining experience and lead a passionate team in a supportive, hospitality-driven environment.

Benefits:

EOS Hospitality is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits plan that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you!

For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance programs geared to you and your family’s needs as well as Vacation/Holiday benefits. For your financial wellness EOS provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life Insurance and Short and Long-Term Disability. In addition, our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing EOS as the employer of your future.

EOS Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Hawks Cay Resort

375 Room Resort

Hawks Cay Florida Keys Resort 

Midway down the Florida Keys, you’ll find an island called Duck Key. It’s small. Secluded. Yet central to Miami and Key West, and easy to reach by car, boat or plane. Duck Key has a few telltale Florida Keys features: Aquamarine water all around. Glorious sunrises and sunsets. An island sensibility that lulls you into a state of total relaxation – except for when you’re out fishing, snorkeling, paddleboarding or flying around on a waverunner. The best of the Keys is waiting for you at Hawks Cay Resort.