Chef de Cuisine at ASH People LLC – Richmond, Virginia

About ASH

ASH Hotels designs, develops, owns and operates a very special collection of properties. In our world, a hotel is much more than a destination to meet, dine, or sleep. Rather, it is a dynamic site of imagery and emotions, interactions and sensations manifesting within the walls of a beautifully restored local legend - a living movie set. An ASH hotel is a connection to the past and a beacon for the future, layered in nuanced storytelling that invites exploration time and again.

Shenandoah Mansions is a hotel in Richmond, Virginia, opening in the Spring of 2026. The six-story hotel sits nestled in the historic Fan District, a former bohemian enclave where charming, Italianate boulevards read like a pastiche European hangover. Shenandoah Mansions adorns the charms and intellects of the old world, whilst remaining refreshingly American. With 73 guest rooms, including 4 opulent suites, a mystical bar, an elegant restaurant, daily cafe and an on-site retail store, Shenandoah Mansions is an ode to the matriarchs and the grande dames — to witchcraft and fantasy, ghosts and fever dreams. With hidden nooks and corners, there are secrets to uncover within these palatial halls.

About the role

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Work with the executive chef to design and implement creative, seasonal, and locally inspired menus for all dining outlets and events.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes, maintaining high culinary standards.
• Introduce innovative culinary techniques and trends that enhance the guest experience.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks.

Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets, including food costs, labor, and equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and maintain cost controls.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with the Executive chef and Food & Beverage Director to align culinary offerings with hotel goals.

What you'll do

Team Management & Development

• Recruit, hire, and train kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations for the culinary team.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance culinary skills and knowledge.
• Schedule staff to meet operational needs while managing labor costs.

Guest Experience & Collaboration

• Engage with guests to receive feedback and adapt offerings accordingly.
• Work closely with other departments (banquets, events, front office) to coordinate services.
• Ensure seamless execution of banquets, catering, and special events.
• Maintain a visible presence during key dining periods and events.

Sustainability & Sourcing

• Source high-quality, local, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
• Develop relationships with local suppliers and farmers to enhance menu authenticity.
• Implement waste reduction and sustainable kitchen practices.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role within a hotel or fine dining environment.
• Proven track record of menu innovation, cost management, and team leadership.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Proficient in inventory management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience with diverse cuisines and dietary accommodations (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
• Passion for sustainable sourcing and farm-to-table practices.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand the entire shift. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop; bend; shake, stir, and pour; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee regularly comes into contact with water, sanitation solutions, and produce items. The employee is frequently required to wash hands. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Benefits & Perks:

Salary $60k

● Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance to full-time employees

● 401 (k) with company match

● Full time employees receive annually: 10 paid vacation days, 5 paid sick days, 4 paid personal days, 11 paid holidays

● 50% food & beverage discount and discounted hotel rooms at other Ash properties

● Opportunity for growth within Shenandoah Mansions and parent company ASH NYC

Ash provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Ash complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Ash expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Improper interference with the ability of Ash employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge