At North & River, we believe the strongest kitchens are led through partnership. The Head Chef we’re seeking serves as an equal leadership partner with our current Executive Chef, creating a dynamic duo that balances creativity with execution, leadership with humility, and excellence with genuine care for their team. Together, they cultivate a kitchen culture rooted in passion, accountability, mentorship, and teamwork, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to seasonal quality and every team member feels supported.
Position Summary
The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations while fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and genuine hospitality. This role combines exceptional culinary skill with effective leadership, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to seasonal quality, every team member feels valued and supported, and every guest enjoys an unforgettable dining experience.
Our Head Chef leads with humility, mentors with patience, communicates with respect, and inspires the team through consistency.
Primary Responsibilities
Culinary Excellence
- Develop, execute, and maintain exceptional food quality and presentation.
- Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, and plating standards.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and sanitation.
- Oversee menu implementation, seasonal features, and recipe development.
- Continuously improve kitchen systems, efficiency, and execution.
Kitchen Leadership
- Lead by example with professionalism, humility, positivity, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
- Train and mentor cooks at every level, helping each team member grow professionally.
- Create an environment built on respect, accountability, teamwork, and open communication.
- Address challenges and conflict with fairness, empathy, and constructive feedback.
Operations
- Manage food and labor costs while maintaining uncompromising quality.
- Oversee ordering, inventory management, vendor relationships, and product quality.
- Minimize waste through thoughtful planning and organization.
- Keep the team on efficient timing through task management.
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained and operational.
Guest Experience
- Understand that every plate represents the restaurant’s reputation.
- Collaborate closely with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless hospitality.
- Respond professionally and thoughtfully to guest feedback.
- Maintain a sense of urgency without sacrificing quality or hospitality.
Leadership Philosophy
We believe exceptional leadership begins with caring for people. We strive to create an environment where the team enjoys coming to work, supports one another, and takes pride in what they accomplish together.
Our Head Chef is expected to:
- Lead with respect.
- Build trust through honesty and consistency.
- Coach rather than criticize.
- Recognize and celebrate great work.
- Create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and encouraged to improve.
- Hold the team accountable with fairness and clear expectations.
- Stay calm under pressure and help others do the same.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience leading culinary teams in an upscale casual or fine dining environment (4+ years experience preferred).
- Strong understanding of seasonal cuisine.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with an Executive Chef as an equal leadership partner.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen best practices.
- Financial understanding of food cost, labor management, and inventory control.
- Passion for hospitality and continuous improvement.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to partner with an accomplished Executive Chef, lead side-by-side as a collaborative team, and help shape the culture and future of North & River, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: From $70,720.00 per year
Work Location: In person
