About Dakota Dunes Resort
Dakota Dunes Resort is Saskatchewan’s premier destination for relaxation, connection, and adventure—set on the traditional Whitecap Dakota Territory, just south of Saskatoon. The resort features a luxury 155-room hotel, our NEW full-service spa, award-winning golf course, casino and breathtaking views of the South Saskatchewan River Valley.
Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa (Opening Fall 2026) is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the opening of our culinary operations. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for creating exceptional culinary experiences while providing strategic direction in menu development, food quality, operational excellence, financial performance, and team leadership.
The Executive Chef will inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Working closely with spa leadership, this role ensures every dining experience reflects the exceptional standards of Dakota Dunes Resort while delivering memorable guest experiences, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, and driving innovation across all food and beverage offerings.
The ideal candidate is an accomplished culinary leader with experience in luxury hospitality, resort, or destination spa environments. They possess exceptional leadership skills, strong business acumen, a passion for developing people, and the ability to balance operational excellence with creative culinary vision in a dynamic, multi-outlet operation.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and inspire all culinary team members across the Grab & Go Café, Lunch & Dinner 80 Seat Restaurant, and group events.
- Working with HR, oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and discipline when necessary.
- Establish and manage culinary leadership positions including Sous Chefs and Kitchen Supervisors.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, organization, and professionalism.
Culinary Development & Operations
- Lead the development and implementation of all menus for the Grab & Go Café and 80 Seat Restaurant.
- Create fresh, innovative, wellness-inspired menu offerings.
- Develop seasonal menus, feature programs, and culinary promotions.
- Maintain standardized recipes, production specifications, portion controls, and plating guides.
- Ensure compliance with all health regulations and food safety standards.
Administration & Financial Management
- Manage purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and supplier relationships.
- Develop annual budgets and forecasts for culinary operations.
- Monitor food cost percentages, labour costs, and departmental profitability.
Guest Experience & Innovation
- Ensure culinary offerings align with the wellness philosophy and guest experience objectives.
- Collaborate with Marketing to develop culinary promotions and seasonal offerings.
- Drive innovation through new menu concepts and signature culinary experiences.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in a spa, resort, or hospitality environment.
- Proven track record in managing multi outlet food locations
- Strong financial acumen and team development skills.
- Passion for wellness, guest experience, and creating memorable environments.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary & Incentives: Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience at a destination-scale property, plus performance-based incentives tied to food quality and cost controls.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health plan contributions, employee discounts on spa services, merchandise, and dining, plus ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Vacation: Three (3) weeks paid vacation annually, scheduled with consideration of peak business periods.
Visa Requirements
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Dakota Dunes Resort is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.
Employment Equity Opportunity
This position is part of a dedicated employment equity initiative. We strongly encourage candidates from Whitecap Dakota Nation and other Indigenous communities—including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit to apply. If you wish to be considered under this initiative, please self-identify in your application.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Reconciliation
At Dakota Dunes Resort, we believe that the strength of our team lies in its diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of the individual. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are dedicated to providing equal access to opportunities. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
We acknowledge that we are on treaty land. These treaties serve to govern our relationships with Indigenous people. We come together today on Treaty 6 territory, which is the traditional territory of the Cree, Saulteaux, Stoney Nakota, Dakota peoples. We also acknowledge the traditional homeland of the Metis and honor their contributions.
It is important that we recognize that we all have benefits and responsibilities under these agreements. We acknowledge the harms and injustices of the past and present. We dedicate our efforts to working together in a spirit of collaboration and reconciliation. We are all treaty people.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Chef: 5 years (preferred)
Location:
- Saskatoon, SK (preferred)
Work Location: In person
