Dynamic culinary leadership position at historic family-owned North Carolina Ski Resort

Appalachian Ski Mtn. is seeking a Dynamic Culinary Professional to lead our Food & Beverage department into its next chapter. We are a 65-year-old family-owned business with a deep-rooted legacy. This rare leadership opening follows the transition of a 20-year veteran star performer—a milestone that reflects the stability, professional respect, and supportive atmosphere of our ownership style.

While we take great pride in our history, we are forward-thinking and committed to constant improvement. We are looking for a leader who respects tradition but is hungry for new challenges and opportunities for growth.

The Business Cycle: Intensity & Balance

We offer a unique professional rhythm that respects your lifestyle and prevents the typical hospitality burnout:

• The Winter Season (Nov–March): A high-energy, "winter-intense" period. You will have the authority to recruit, interview, and select a contracted seasonal Sous Chef to support your vision, alongside a large seasonal kitchen and service team.

• The Restorative Off-Season: A relaxed pace focusing on a curated calendar of weddings, banquets, and special events. As the year-round anchor for F&B, you will work alongside our permanent resort leadership team to plan and execute these events while enjoying a "natural cycle" that allows for restorative personal time.

Key Responsibilities & Requirements

• Departmental Leadership: Act as the year-round professional anchor for the F&B department, collaborating with a dedicated year-round management team across other resort departments.

• Strategic Team Building: Lead the selection and management of a contracted seasonal Sous Chef and a robust seasonal staff. We are moving away from a "line-cook only" model toward a professional, tiered leadership structure.

• Administrative Proficiency: Candidates must be highly proficient in Excel for P&L oversight, labor budgeting, and COGS management. General proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and experience with desktop publishing for menu design are also essential.

• Innovation: Identify and execute new revenue opportunities within our seasonal and off-season event schedules.

  Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $85,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience).

  • Benefits: Comprehensive professional benefits package.

  • Housing: Relocation and housing assistance are available for the right candidate.

  The Ideal Candidate

  You are a "hybrid" leader—as comfortable with a labor report as you are on the line during a Saturday rush. You are looking to build a long-term legacy within a stable, family-oriented environment that values your expertise and offers a direct line of communication with ownership.