Restaurant & Catering Chef
Come join the Tillamook Team, one of the fastest-growing dairy brands in the US, where we Play to Win to create over 200 dairy products in 7 different categories: cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, butter, cream cheese and frozen meals. Our Uncompromising Quality has led us to become the #1 Cheddar, #2 Cream Cheese and #3 Family Size Ice Cream brand, but we’re not stopping there. We’re loading up for our best years to come and want you to join us.
As a farmer-owned cooperative since 1909, we know that being Good Stewards for our stakeholders and doing a little extra always pays off. We’re looking for team members with a One Team and Genuine Care mindset who are inspired to share the delight of the Tillamook brand with each other and others every day.
What you will do:
The TC Restaurant and Catering Chef must ensure that Tillamook’s 5 shared values are integrated into daily lives at work, fostering a culture of inclusion, creating space for each and every employee to feel a sense of belonging and can contribute to their fullest potential. The TC Restaurant & Catering Chef is responsible for the full scope of kitchen operations at the Tillamook Creamery Visitor Center — one of Oregon's premier tourist destinations welcoming approximately one million visitors per year. As a cornerstone of the Tillamook brand experience, this role ensures culinary excellence across the restaurant and all catering events, elevating the Creamery's iconic identity through every guest interaction.
The Chef drives business results by partnering with the TCCA Corporate Executive Chef to implement menu strategies, manage financial goals, and oversee product ordering, inventory, and cost control. This role leads and develops a kitchen team of 15–19 employees — cultivating a culture of inclusion, consistent quality, and operational efficiency in alignment with Tillamook's five shared values.
Here’s a day in the life:
Direct and oversee the daily operations of all Tillamook Creamery kitchens, working the line as needed to support, observe, and direct staff during service.
Lead menu development and deployment for restaurant and catering — including seasonal menus, VIP/large-group custom options, costing, allergy guides, recipe cards, and prep sheets — in partnership with the TCCA Corporate Executive Chef. Ensure all menus are approved prior to deployment and remain brand-elevating, profitable, and operationally viable.
In partnership with Food Service Managers, recruit, hire, onboard, train, develop, coach, and retain kitchen staff. Deliver training on culinary standards, catering menu execution, guest service expectations, SOPs, and system updates. Provide regular recognition, feedback, and performance evaluations. Manage scheduling and payroll for all direct reports (15–19 positions, including permanent and seasonal hires).
Standardize and enforce production recipes and presentation specifications to ensure consistent quality on every dish. Approve all food items leaving the kitchen and resolve any service or quality issues promptly.
Maintain ownership of kitchen financial results: managing food costs, budgetary guidelines, and cost-control measures using a thorough understanding of costing formulas and yield percentages. Oversee product ordering, inventory management (FIFO, organized storage, receiving accuracy), and kitchen expense tracking. Maintain expertise in Toast Inventory, COGS, recipe management, and POS systems — including button creation, recipe builds, inventory controls, and price updates.
Serve as the primary point of contact for food and supply vendors.
Build and maintain professional, value-aligned vendor relationships to ensure quality products, reliable service, and timely deliveries. Regularly review product quality, pricing, and vendor performance to support cost efficiency and operational improvement.
Ensure all food, facilities, and equipment meet governmental regulations and Health Department sanitation requirements. Maintain accurate temperature, maintenance, and sanitation logs. Enforce all SOPs, including OSHA/Safety documentation, OLCC permits, Food Handler permits, and equipment usage certifications.
Ensure the culinary program and guest experience are consistently aligned with Tillamook brand standards, as approved by the Executive Chef of Culinary Development and the Creamery General Manager.
Support order-throttling and operational system adjustments through the designated App as needed to optimize ticket times and back-of-house efficiency.
Apply financial acumen to maintain ownership of business results; implement strategies to maximize performance, track progress against goals, and keep stakeholders informed with data-driven recommendations.
Build professional, respectful working relationships across TCCA departments (People & Culture, Finance, Site Maintenance, and other Creamery teams). Leading through TCCA values to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for employees, guests, and vendors.
Oversee recruiting, onboarding support (uniforms, orientation, property tours, 7Shifts, and UKG setup), attendance records, and documentation of policy violations in partnership with L&D and P&C teams.
Confront and resolve difficult situations proactively and professionally. Efficiently manage and utilize resources, exercising independent judgment and critical thinking to bring well-considered solutions to leadership.
Other duties as needed and assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
High school diploma or GED required
Some post-secondary culinary or restaurant management training preferred
1+ years’ kitchen/restaurant/food service or manufacturing experience required; catering and high-volume food service experience preferred.
3 years of supervisor or management experience preferred
Food preparation, grill work, and catering experience required.
Demonstrated ability to effectively develop menus – including costing, allergy guides, and training manuals.
Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and manage time.
Possess the ability to read, write, and interpret reports.
Industry leading benefit and reward programs:
We offer outstanding benefits to our employees. For more information, please visit the careers page: www.tillamook.com/careers.
We are committed to creating a diverse culture and inclusive conditions where all employees are heard, valued and feel a sense of belonging. We rely on different perspectives, thoughts, backgrounds and cultures to inform our work, to help us be better as a brand and as an employer and to fuel our success. We are seeking talent from a wide range of diversity, perspectives and backgrounds to join our exceptional organization and help us build our future.
Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is a Drug-Free Workplace. EEO
TCCA prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability status (including those related to pregnancy and childbirth), protected veteran status, membership/non-membership in a labor organization, or any other characteristic protected by law.
