Head Chef

Head Chef Max Rochester - 3.3 Rochester, NY Job Details Full-time $60,000 - $70,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Qualifications Cost management Line cook experience Teamwork Food safety management Quality assurance within food and beverage industry Operations management Budget control Fine dining experience Menu concept development Safety standards in production Production inventory management Managing hospitality teams Improving operational efficiency Sanitation procedures Team development Kitchen cost control HACCP Continuous improvement Team management Decision making Plating Kitchen staff training Mentoring Food ordering Senior level Food safety Leadership Communication skills Staff development Hospitality management Full Job Description Head Chef - Max Bar & Bistro About the Role Max Bar & Bistro is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations in close partnership with ownership. This is a hands-on leadership position where you'll drive culinary excellence while collaborating directly with our founder on menu development, operational decisions, and the evolution of our dining experience. If you thrive in environments where great food comes from ongoing dialogue between culinary expertise and ownership vision—rather than siloed decision-making—this role offers the opportunity to shape a beloved neighborhood bistro's kitchen while bringing your craft to a team that values both autonomy in execution and collaborative planning. What You'll Do Lead daily kitchen operations, managing prep, service, and team coordination Collaborate with ownership on menu development, bringing seasonal creativity and technical expertise to concept discussions Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, building a culture of excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement Oversee food production from prep through plating, ensuring consistency and quality across all stations Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control in partnership with ownership Coordinate with front-of-house and catering teams to deliver seamless service for regular service and special events Maintain rigorous food safety, sanitation, and handling standards across all kitchen operations Contribute culinary perspective to operational planning, while working within the collaborative decision-making structure of a founder-led restaurant What We're Looking For Proven fine dining experience with strong technical skills in food production and kitchen management Track record leading culinary teams in high-volume environments Expertise in menu planning, food handling, inventory management, and kitchen workflow optimization Strong communication skills and comfort working collaboratively with ownership on strategic decisions Knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP protocols, and health regulations Experience in catering, banquet operations, and diverse dietary accommodations Restaurant management or hospitality background preferred Leadership style that balances team development with adaptability in a founder-involved environment What Makes This Role Unique This position offers hands-on culinary leadership with direct access to ownership for strategic collaboration. You'll have autonomy in kitchen execution while contributing your expertise to menu and operational decisions made in partnership with our founder. If you value the learning and creative exchange that comes from working closely with experienced restaurant ownership, rather than operating in isolation, you'll find this structure rewarding.

Pay:

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person