Head ChefOverview
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people, and takes pride in running an organized, efficient kitchen.
The Head Chef is responsible for executing exceptional service, maintaining consistent food quality, developing a strong back-of-house team, and managing labor and food costs. This is a working leadership role—the Head Chef is expected to lead from the front, set the standard for the team, and do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the restaurant.
Success in This Position
The three most important responsibilities of this role are:
Fast, Consistent Execution
- Deliver high-quality food quickly and consistently during every service.
- Lead the kitchen during peak hours while maintaining organization, communication, and urgency.
- Ensure every dish meets company standards for quality, presentation, and consistency.
Training & Team Development
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop kitchen staff into a dependable, high-performing team.
- Create a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Hold team members to high standards while providing clear direction and ongoing coaching.
Labor Management
- Manage labor responsibly while maintaining excellent guest experiences.
- As a salaried leader, step into hourly positions whenever necessary to meet labor goals or support the operation.
- Lead by example by working alongside the team and doing whatever the business requires.
Executive Leadership Collaboration
The Head Chef is responsible for leading the kitchen while operating under the direction of executive leadership. Candidates must be coachable, open to constructive feedback, and committed to implementing company standards, operational procedures, and strategic initiatives. The ability to collaborate effectively with ownership, embrace continuous improvement, and execute decisions consistently is essential for success in this role.
Responsibilities
- Lead all daily kitchen operations and maintain an organized, efficient work environment.
- Execute fast, accurate, and consistent food production during every shift.
- Recruit, interview, onboard, train, coach, and develop kitchen employees.
- Build schedules that balance service needs with labor goals.
- Step into any kitchen position as needed to support the team and control labor costs.
- Develop prep systems, recipes, and kitchen procedures that improve consistency and efficiency.
- Maintain food quality, presentation, portion control, and recipe adherence.
- Order food and supplies while managing inventory and minimizing waste.
- Monitor food cost, labor cost, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and HACCP compliance.
- Coordinate banquet, catering, and special event food production.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable team culture.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Kitchen Manager, or experienced Sous Chef ready to lead.
- Demonstrated success leading high-volume kitchen operations.
- Strong understanding of food cost, inventory management, scheduling, and labor control.
- Experience hiring, training, coaching, and developing kitchen staff.
- Ability to remain calm, organized, and decisive during busy service periods.
- Extensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Comfortable receiving direction from executive leadership and executing company initiatives consistently.
- Willingness to lead by example and perform any task necessary to support the team and business.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a leader who takes ownership of the kitchen, develops people, solves problems instead of creating them, and understands that great restaurants are built through consistency, teamwork, accountability, and a willingness to work alongside the team every day.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Food provided
Work Location: In person
