Head Chef

Reports To:

General Manager Supports:

Shift Leads, Kitchen Team Location:

Kingston, WA Short Description The Chef is responsible for leading all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, strong execution, and disciplined kitchen standards. This role provides hands-on leadership to shift leads and the kitchen team while maintaining accountability for scheduling, labor management, inventory, cleanliness, and food execution. The Chef owns the day-to-day performance of the kitchen and reports to General Manager . The General Manager owns front of house service and ensures the restaurant runs as a whole and reports to the owner . The Owner protects the product, brand, and long-term direction . Areas of Responsibility 1. Kitchen Leadership & Team Management Supervise, coach, and develop kitchen shift leads Provide clear expectations and accountability for kitchen team performance Support training and onboarding of new kitchen staff Reinforce standards, discipline, and consistency across all shifts Help build a strong, reliable kitchen leadership bench 2. Scheduling & Labor Management Create and manage the kitchen schedule Ensure proper staffing levels for service and production needs Monitor and control kitchen labor costs in alignment with targets Adjust staffing based on business volume and operational needs 3. Food Quality & Execution Ensure all food meets craft standards for: Quality Consistency Presentation Maintain discipline around recipes, prep methods, and station execution Monitor performance across all stations and shifts Identify and correct quality issues in real time 4. Kitchen Operations & Standards Maintain high standards for: Cleanliness Organization Sanitation Safety Ensure full compliance with health department and food safety regulations Establish and reinforce cleaning systems and routines Ensure the kitchen is consistently organized and service-ready 5. Inventory & Cost Control Oversee kitchen inventory levels and ordering Manage food cost through: Waste reduction Proper portioning Accurate ordering Ensure the kitchen is consistently stocked without over-ordering Monitor key cost drivers and communicate concerns to the GM 6. Kitchen Maintenance & Equipment Ensure all kitchen equipment is functioning properly Identify maintenance needs and escalate as needed Support preventative maintenance practices Maintain a safe and functional work environment 7. Communication & Kitchen Meetings Lead regular kitchen meetings Communicate priorities, changes, and expectations clearly Reinforce standards, culture, and accountability Create alignment across shifts and team members 8. Professional Standards & Culture Model professionalism, accountability, and pride in craft Uphold the professional image of the kitchen and team Reinforce a culture of: Consistency as a Standard Craft with Discipline Respect Through Dignity Always Getting Better How Success Is Measured (Initial Framework) Like the GM role, success is measured across operational, team, cost, and quality metrics . Operational & Quality Metrics Consistency of food quality across all shifts Reduction in errors, remakes, or quality complaints Kitchen cleanliness and organization standards consistently met Health inspection results (no major violations) Labor & Cost Performance Kitchen labor % aligned with targets Food cost controlled within acceptable range Reduction in waste and over-ordering Inventory accuracy and reliability Team Performance Strength and reliability of shift leads Kitchen staffing stability (reduced turnover where possible) Team adherence to standards and systems Evidence of training and development within the kitchen Execution & Reliability Kitchen runs smoothly during service (no breakdowns in flow) Prep and production completed on time and to standard Ability to handle volume without compromising quality Fewer escalations needed from GM or Owner Continued Education at national trips.

Pay:

$76,960.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Food provided Health insurance Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person