Executive Chef

Head Chef Santo Forno | Southern Utah At Santo Forno, we are redefining the pizza experience through craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and thoughtful execution. Our concept blends traditional Italian techniques with a modern, customizable approach, delivering elevated, made-to-order pizzas in a refined yet approachable setting. We are building a team that values leadership, consistency, and culinary excellence. We are seeking a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, oversee production, and help shape the culinary direction of our brand. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong operational experience and a passion for Italian cuisine and pizzeria-style cooking. Position Overview The Head Chef is responsible for managing all aspects of kitchen operations, including staff leadership, food quality, menu execution, and inventory control. You will play a key role in maintaining standards, developing processes, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience through consistent, high-quality food. Key Responsibilities Kitchen Leadership & Operations Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure efficient service flow Lead, train, and manage kitchen staff, including scheduling and performance oversight Maintain a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high standards Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations Menu Execution & Culinary Development Execute and maintain menu standards with consistency and precision Contribute to menu development, including seasonal items and specialty pizzas Uphold authenticity in Italian techniques while supporting innovation Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion control Inventory & Cost Management Manage ordering, inventory levels, and supplier relationships Control food costs, minimize waste, and maintain proper storage practices Conduct regular inventory counts and adjust purchasing as needed Ensure efficient use of ingredients across all menu items Systems & Process Management Develop and maintain kitchen systems, prep procedures, and workflow standards Optimize kitchen layout and processes for speed and quality Train staff on recipes, techniques, and operational procedures Collaborate with ownership on operational improvements and scaling Qualifications Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role Strong background in Italian cuisine, with pizzeria experience highly preferred Experience managing a full-service restaurant kitchen and team Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and retain staff Strong understanding of food cost control, inventory systems, and kitchen operations Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Knowledge of dough preparation, fermentation, and pizza baking techniques preferred Food safety certification or willingness to obtain Expectations Lead by example with professionalism, consistency, and attention to detail Maintain high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and efficiency Take ownership of kitchen performance, including staff and output Communicate effectively with team members and ownership Be proactive in problem-solving and operational improvements Adapt to evolving business needs and support long-term growth Why Join Santo Forno Opportunity to lead and shape a growing culinary concept Creative input in menu development and kitchen systems Work with a brand focused on quality, innovation, and guest experience Competitive compensation based on experience Potential for growth as the concept expands If you are a driven culinary leader with a passion for pizza and Italian cuisine, and you thrive in building and leading strong teams, we would like to hear from you.

Apply at:

opportunity@dnkhospitality.com