Head Chef and Kitchen Manager

Head Chef and Kitchen Manager Sunrise Cafe - 3.6 Kalispell, MT Job Details Full-time From $25 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Teamwork Operations management Café Customer service Team development Full Job Description Job Summary We are seeking an energetic, organized, and highly skilled Head Chef & Kitchen Manager to lead our breakfast and brunch café kitchen with passion and creativity. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of daily kitchen operations, including breakfast and lunch food preparation, menu development, staff leadership, inventory management, and quality control. Your leadership will help create a warm, welcoming café experience built around fresh ingredients, efficient service, and consistently exceptional food. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced café environment and is passionate about delivering memorable breakfast and brunch experiences. Responsibilities Lead and manage the kitchen team, including line cooks, prep cooks, bakers, dish staff, and support staff, while fostering a positive and team-oriented environment Develop creative and seasonal breakfast and brunch menus featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and café favorites Oversee daily food production and prep to ensure timely, efficient service during busy morning and lunch rushes Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, portioning, and consistency across all menu items Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and health department regulations Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to control food costs, reduce waste, and maintain product availability Coordinate kitchen schedules and staffing levels to support efficient café operations and smooth service flow Oversee catering orders, bakery items, grab-and-go offerings, and special brunch events as needed Train and mentor kitchen staff in cooking techniques, prep standards, food handling, cleanliness, and customer-focused service Monitor equipment maintenance and kitchen cleanliness to ensure a safe and efficient workspace Collaborate with ownership and management on menu pricing, seasonal specials, operational improvements, and overall café growth Support a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and attention to detail that enhances the guest experience Experience Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager in a breakfast café, brunch restaurant, bakery café, or fast-paced food service environment Strong background in breakfast and brunch cuisine, including egg cookery, breakfast meats, baked goods, sauces, sandwiches, and seasonal specials Experience leading kitchen teams in high-volume morning service environments Demonstrated expertise in food preparation, menu planning, inventory control, and kitchen operations Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen best practices Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate staff and maintain a positive work culture Experience with catering, bakery production, coffee shop operations, or grab-and-go concepts is a plus Hands-on cooking ability with strong organizational and multitasking skills Passion for hospitality, quality ingredients, and creating a welcoming café atmosphere • Join our team and help create memorable breakfast and brunch experiences in a vibrant café setting where great food, community, and hospitality come together every day.

Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person