Head Chef

Head Chef Wence's Restaurant - 3.5 Pleasant Hill, CA Job Details Full-time $75,000 - $88,000 a year 9 hours ago Benefits Paid time off Food provided Qualifications Vendor relationship building Managing hospitality teams Administrative experience Team development Supervising experience Food industry Food safety Food Handler Certification Hospitality management

Full Job Description Job Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead our kitchen operations. This role requires both creative leadership and operational discipline —from menu development to cost control and team management. This is not a "paper chef" role, we need someone who leads from the line as needed . In this role, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu creation to food preparation, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency. Your leadership will inspire your team to deliver outstanding service in a fast-paced, fine dining environment. The ideal candidate is a seasoned culinary professional with at least five years restaurant management experience and a commitment to food safety and excellence. Responsibilities 1. Kitchen Leadership Lead, train, and manage all BOH staff (line, prep, dish) Maintain strong kitchen culture, accountability, and standards Step into service as needed (expo, line, prep) 2. Menu & Culinary Development Develop and execute: Daily/weekly specials Seasonal menu updates Align menu with Italian + seafood direction Maintain consistency, presentation, and quality control 3. Cost Control & Inventory Manage food cost targets

Oversee:

Ordering (quality, pricing, timing) Vendor relationships Invoice verification Reduce waste through proper prep, storage, and rotation 4. Scheduling & Labor Management Create weekly BOH schedules Control labor cost vs sales Ensure proper staffing for: Weekends Events Holidays Enforce break compliance (CA labor laws) 5. Food Safety & Compliance Maintain full compliance with: ServSafe / HACCP CA food handling standards Ensure kitchen cleanliness + organization at all times 6. Hiring & Team Development Recruit, hire, and train BOH staff Maintain employee documentation: Certifications Training records Coach, discipline, and develop team members 7. Administrative Responsibilities Review invoices daily Maintain prep lists and pars Submit schedules on time Track kitchen performance metrics Qualifications Proven experience at least 5 years in full service dining establishments with strong background in food production and restaurant management. Extensive banquet experience along with supervising teams in high-volume settings. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and manage diverse teams effectively. Strong knowledge of food safety standards, inventory management, and kitchen operations. Skilled in menu planning, catering coordination, and food handling procedures. Experience in the food industry with a focus on culinary excellence and customer satisfaction. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Knowledge of dietary requirements and accommodations within a hospitality setting is preferred. Certifications related to culinary arts or food safety are highly desirable. We offer a monthly medical allowance.

Pay:

$75,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Food provided Paid time off

Experience:

Kitchen Leading:

5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Food Handler Certification (Required) Anti Harassment Training (Required)

Work Location:

In person