Chef de CuisineThe Prisoner LLCJ.W. Heist Steakhouse & Plonk Wine Bar | Bozeman, Montana
Some kitchens are built around a menu. Ours is built around people.
At The Prisoner LLC, we believe remarkable restaurants are created by chefs who value craftsmanship, humility, curiosity, and the pursuit of improvement. We are looking for a Chef de Cuisine who shares those values and wants to help lead a team committed to becoming better every day.
This is a unique opportunity…
J.W. Heist Steakhouse and Plonk Wine Bar operate from one centralized kitchen, producing food for two distinct restaurant concepts simultaneously. J.W. Heist celebrates the simplicity of live-fire cooking and exceptional ingredients. Plonk embraces seasonality, technique, and one of Montana's premier wine programs. We are two identities, in one kitchen and operate as one team. The Chef de Cuisine is the leader responsible for bringing those worlds together for every service.
Working alongside the Executive Chef & Culinary Director, you will lead the daily operations of both restaurant concepts; guiding cooks, directing service across two adjacent kitchen lines, refining systems, maintaining standards, and helping shape the future of our culinary program.
We believe that kitchens become great when their leaders invest in people. Therefor it is safe to say that this is largely a leadership position and not simply a management position. We are looking for someone who values and conveys such qualities as: integrity, humility, accountability, curiosity and a teamwork mentality. This individual should also have the ability and to nurture less experienced cooks and help continue to cultivate a positive culture in the kitchen. The technical skills, while important, can be taught and refined over time.
The Opportunity
· Lead the daily operations of both J.W. Heist Steakhouse and Plonk Wine Bar.
· Direct service across two simultaneous restaurant concepts from one centralized kitchen.
· Build systems that improve consistency, communication, and execution.
· Mentor young cooks while continuing to develop experienced professionals.
· Partner with the Executive Chef & Culinary Director on menu development, seasonal changes, recipe development, and long-term culinary strategy.
· Maintain the highest standards of sanitation, organization, and professionalism.
· Take ownership of food quality, labor efficiency, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen culture.
Who You Are
· You lead with humility, confidence, and professionalism.
· You understand that organization creates consistency, and consistency builds trust.
· You are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow.
· You recognize that leadership is earned every day through preparation, accountability, and the example you set.
During Service
· Set the emotional temperature of the restaurant through calm, thoughtful leadership.
· Listen before reacting.
· Gather the facts before making decisions.
· We value thoughtful decisions over quick reactions.
· Approach every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset.
· Partner with Front of House leadership.
· Communicate clearly and respectfully.
· Guest challenges belong to the restaurant, not a department.
· Protect trust between the kitchen and dining room.
· Professionalism is measured by how we respond when things don't go as planned.
About The Prisoner LLC
Our restaurants are built for longevity.
We believe in developing careers rather than filling positions.
We invest in systems, education, mentorship, and continuous improvement because we believe exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional teams.
CompensationCompetitive salary based on experience, paid time off, dining privileges, professional development, and long-term growth opportunities within The Prisoner LLC.
If you're looking for more than your next job—if you're looking for a kitchen where your leadership will matter—we would love to
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
