Chef job description

A Chef is a culinary professional responsible for creating and executing menus, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring food quality and safety standards. This role is vital to a business as it directly impacts customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and overall dining experience, driving repeat business and revenue growth.

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What is a Chef?

A Chef is a skilled culinary expert who oversees food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They combine creativity with technical expertise to deliver high-quality dishes, maintain food safety protocols, and lead kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations. Chefs often specialize in specific cuisines or roles (e.g., Executive Chef, Sous Chef) and play a key role in shaping the culinary identity of their establishment.

What does a Chef do?

Chefs plan and design menus, source ingredients, and prepare meals while adhering to budget and quality standards. They manage kitchen staff, assign tasks, and train team members on cooking techniques and safety procedures. Chefs also monitor inventory, ensure compliance with health regulations, and collaborate with management to optimize operations. Additionally, they innovate dishes, respond to customer feedback, and maintain consistency in food presentation and taste across service periods.

Job Overview

We are seeking a creative and passionate Chef to lead our kitchen operations and deliver exceptional culinary experiences. The ideal candidate will be responsible for menu development, food quality control, kitchen management, and maintaining high standards of food safety. This role requires strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining our commitment to excellence in American cuisine.

Chef responsibilities include:

1. Develop and execute seasonal menus featuring contemporary American cuisine with innovative twists 2. Oversee all kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, and plating 3. Manage inventory, food costing, and procurement while maintaining budget targets 4. Train and mentor kitchen staff in proper cooking techniques and safety protocols 5. Maintain strict compliance with FDA food safety standards and local health regulations 6. Create and standardize recipes to ensure consistent quality across all dishes 7. Collaborate with restaurant management on pricing strategies and special promotions 8. Monitor food trends and incorporate popular culinary techniques into menu offerings 9. Manage kitchen scheduling and labor cost control 10. Conduct regular quality checks on all food items before service
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Must-Have Requirements

1. 5+ years of professional cooking experience in American cuisine establishments 2. Proven experience as Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant 3. Extensive knowledge of FDA food safety regulations and ServSafe certification 4. Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen inventory and control food costs 5. Strong proficiency in butchery, sauce making, and contemporary cooking techniques 6. Experience with menu development and recipe standardization 7. Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays 8. Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds 9. Valid food handler's card and compliance with local health department requirements

Preferred Qualifications

1. Culinary degree from an accredited institution (CIA, ICE, or similar) 2. Experience working in farm-to-table or sustainable cuisine concepts 3. Background in managing kitchens with $1M+ annual revenue 4. Knowledge of diverse American regional cuisines (Southern, New England, Pacific Northwest) 5. Experience with kitchen management software (Compeat, Toast, or similar) 6. Previous experience opening new restaurant concepts 7. Background in training and developing culinary teams of 10+ staff members 8. Familiarity with modern cooking equipment and technology 9. Experience managing vendor relationships and negotiating supply contracts

Bonus Skills

1. James Beard Award recognition or Michelin Star experience 2. Media appearance experience (Food Network, cooking demonstrations) 3. Cookbook publication or significant recipe development portfolio 4. Specialized expertise in specific culinary techniques (sous-vide, molecular gastronomy) 5. Multilingual abilities (Spanish preferred for kitchen communication) 6. Wine pairing knowledge and sommelier training 7. Experience with dietary restriction accommodations (gluten-free, vegan, allergy-aware) 8. Strong local supplier network and farm relationships 9. Competition experience (culinary awards or cooking competitions)

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