Bar Select is a new chef-driven bistro and bar opening in the heart of Santa Cruz's Westside. Created by the team behind Manresa Bread, Mentone, and the Bywater and inspired by a shared vision for exceptional food and hospitality, Bar Select brings together California seasonality, a passion for the traditions of casual French cuisine, and an emphasis on neighborhood dining and community. Developed alongside the culinary philosophy and influence of acclaimed Chef David Kinch, Bar Select reflects a commitment to ingredient-driven cooking, thoughtful technique, and creating memorable guest experiences. We are seeking an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Chef de Cuisine to help lead the kitchen and shape the culinary identity of Bar Select from opening day forward. This role is an opportunity for a chef who thrives in both creativity and execution—someone passionate about building systems, mentoring teams, developing menus, and creating an exceptional guest experience. As Chef de Cuisine, you will become part of a leadership team committed to excellence and have the opportunity to contribute to a growing hospitality group driven by craftsmanship, hospitality, and innovation. Position Summary The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, organization, and profitability. This position will lead culinary operations, including: Menu development and seasonal innovation Kitchen systems and recipe development Hiring, scheduling, training, and leadership Food quality and presentation standards Inventory and purchasing management Food and labor cost management Team development and accountability Sanitation and safety compliance Collaboration with ownership and leadership teams The Chef de Cuisine is expected to lead by example and actively work alongside the team while creating a culture built on excellence, professionalism, accountability, and growth. Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary Leadership & Menu Development Create and execute dynamic seasonal menus inspired by California cuisine with French and Spanish coastal influences Develop recipes, prep guides, kitchen systems, and operational procedures Lead menu innovation while maintaining consistency and attainable execution Source high-quality local ingredients through partnerships with regional farms, producers, and artisans Maintain complete knowledge of all menu items and ingredients Ensure all dishes meet presentation and quality expectations Kitchen Operations Oversee all aspects of food preparation, production, service, and execution Work all stations and lead service when needed Establish and maintain production timelines and standards Monitor cleanliness, organization, and workflow efficiency Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and properly used Maintain systems for inventory control and ordering Identify opportunities to reduce food waste and improve efficiency Team Leadership & Development Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and supervise kitchen team members Build a strong, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture Develop kitchen training manuals and operational systems Provide coaching and performance feedback Ensure all staff understand expectations and standards Foster positive employee relations and professional growth Administrative Responsibilities Manage labor scheduling and staffing levels Track food cost, labor cost, purchasing, and inventory Maintain invoice systems and operational records Support hiring, onboarding, counseling, and performance documentation Utilize restaurant systems and POS tools effectively Collaborate with ownership and management on strategic planning and goals Quality, Safety & Compliance Maintain strict compliance with all local health regulations and food safety standards Ensure kitchen sanitation and organization standards are maintained at all times Monitor food handling procedures and storage systems Uphold all company policies and operational procedures Qualifications We are seeking candidates who possess: Minimum 6 years of professional culinary experience Minimum 2-3 years in a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or kitchen leadership role Strong background in seasonal California cuisine Experience with French and Spanish culinary techniques strongly preferred Experience opening new restaurants is highly preferred Strong leadership and team-building abilities Demonstrated success managing food and labor costs Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment Excellent organizational and communication skills Fluency in English required; Spanish proficiency strongly preferred Food Safety Certification required Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred Ideal Candidate You are: Passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence Hands-on and willing to work alongside your team Calm under pressure and solution-oriented Creative but disciplined in execution Organized and detail-oriented A mentor who enjoys developing people Excited to help build and shape a restaurant from the ground up Physical Requirements Ability to stand and remain active for up to 10+ hours Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds when necessary Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced environments Frequent walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements Ability to taste, smell, and visually assess food quality and safety What We Offer Competitive salary + performance bonus Opportunity to shape and build a new culinary concept Creative collaboration with ownership and leadership Growth opportunities within an expanding hospitality group Paid time off Employee discounts Supportive and collaborative culture Opportunity to create something meaningful within the Santa Cruz community If you are excited by the opportunity to build, lead, and create an exceptional culinary experience, we encourage you to apply and become part of Bar Select from the very beginning.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
