Job Description

Culinary Trainer

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is seeking a Culinary Trainer to deliver dynamic classroom and hands-on training to shipboard culinary staff. Based at our Salt Lake City Training Center, this role is ideal for culinary professionals looking to transition from demanding restaurant hours to a consistent daytime schedule with improved work-life balance, while still engaging in a fast-paced, hands-on culinary environment. Reporting to the Culinary Training Executive Chef, you will help ensure our culinary teams uphold the highest standards of service, food safety, and operational excellence.
We are committed to providing a highly personalized, creative, and enjoyable learning environment for our employees. Join a supportive team where you can make a lasting impact, share your culinary expertise, and help shape the skills of shipboard staff.
Our company's values are

Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism,

and

Merit.

We live these values every day and we look for people who share them as we

Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.

Responsibilities:

Facilitate engaging classroom and practical training sessions for shipboard culinary staff. Ensure company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance with FDA, USPH, USCG, and other relevant regulations. Adapt teaching methods to various learning styles and experience levels. Provide clear communication regarding training schedules, expectations, and policies. Assess trainee performance to ensure alignment with company standards. Mentor new employees and offer constructive feedback to foster professional growth. Collaborate with the Culinary Training Executive Chef and Development Team to ensure training materials are effectively delivered. Assist in maintaining a fully operational training kitchen by supporting both culinary instruction and daily meal service. Step in as needed to handle food preparation, cooking, and general kitchen responsibilities, with particular focus during non-training periods.

Qualifications:

2-4 years of professional culinary experience (e.g., line cook, sous chef, pastry chef); shipboard experience is a plus. Prior experience in training, coaching, or mentoring culinary staff is strongly preferred. Proven public speaking and instructional delivery skills are highly valued. Culinary Arts degree is a plus but not required with relevant hands-on experience. Kitchen management experience is a plus, particularly in leading teams or overseeing operations. Knowledge of food safety standards and hospitality-based culinary operations. Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, and Zoom.

Work Environment & Schedule:

Based on-site at the Salt Lake City Training Center. Consistent schedule with improved work-life balance while maintaining a fast-paced, hands-on culinary environment. Travel required 10-20% to various locations, including onboard American Cruise Lines' fleet across the nation. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Attributes for Success:

Passion for teaching and helping others develop professionally. Self-motivated with a positive attitude and openness to feedback. Team player who can take initiative and work independently when needed. Commitment to delivering an excellent first impression and fostering a positive training environment. Self-starter with a commitment to personal excellence and high-quality work. Takes ownership of responsibilities with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.

Why Join American Cruise Lines?

At American Cruise Lines, our people are the driving force behind our success. As the nation's leader in U.S. river cruising, we're experiencing rapid growth -- and we're investing in top talent to grow with us. When you join our team, you'll find a dynamic work environment that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence, with real opportunities to build your career and make an impact.