Head Chef / Kitchen Manager -

Exciting New Upscale Bistro Opening Location:

Las Cruces, NM Job Type:

Full-time, Salaried Exempt Pay Range:

$45,000 - 60,000 per year + Profit Sharing & Bonuses About the Opportunity A brand-new, upscale bistro concept is coming to Las Cruces, and we are looking for an exceptional culinary visionary to lead our back-of-house team from the ground up. If you are a passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager who takes pride in regional culinary craftsmanship, thrives on kitchen camaraderie, and wants a true stake in the restaurant's success, this is your chance to build something extraordinary. You won't just be running a line—you will set the standard for food quality, kitchen culture, and guest experience in a fresh, vibrant dining room. Why Join Us? (Compensation & Benefits) We believe leadership should be rewarded generously. In addition to a competitive base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to invest in your craft and your future:

Profit Sharing:

A direct stake in our bistro's financial success. When the restaurant thrives, so do you.

Health Inspection & Operational Bonuses:

Cash bonuses for excellent health inspections and food safety excellence. 401(k)

Retirement Plan:

Dedicated retirement savings program to support your long-term security. Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid vacation and sick time—we respect your quality of life outside the kitchen.

Creative Freedom:

Direct collaboration on menu development, seasonal features, and wine/beverage pairings.

Dining Privileges & Discounts:

Enjoy our food and beverage offerings with friends and family.

Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Culture:

Build, train, and mentor a talented back-of-house team. Foster an organized, high-energy environment built on mutual respect and accountability.

Quality & Presentation:

Uphold exacting standards for plate presentation, flavor balance, recipe consistency, and pacing from prep through service.

Menu Development & Innovation:

Collaborate on seasonal bistro menus, specialty pairings, and featured dishes that showcase contemporary culinary trends and fresh, quality ingredients. Emphasis on local ingredients and innovative southwest cuisine.

Operational & Financial Control:

Manage inventory, food cost targets, portioning, and labor efficiency without sacrificing culinary standards.

Sanitation & Food Safety:

Maintain pristine kitchen cleanliness, enforce standard operating procedures, and ensure full compliance with New Mexico Environment Department health regulations.

Private Events & Special Tastings:

Coordinate and execute banquets, on site events, weddings, winemaker dinners, and special catering events with seamless pacing and presentation.

Scheduling & Shift Management:

Oversee kitchen scheduling, prep-lists, station assignments, and clear cross-department communication with front-of-house managers.

Qualifications & Experience Experience:

3+ years of kitchen management, sous chef, or head chef experience in an upscale bistro, fine dining, or high-volume scratch-kitchen environment.

Leadership:

Proven ability to build, train, and retain a collaborative culinary crew while maintaining a cool, composed demeanor during peak service.

Financial Acumen:

Practical understanding of food and labor cost control, ordering, par management, and vendor negotiations.

Food Safety:

Current ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain prior to opening) and an uncompromising commitment to cleanliness and sanitation.

Passion:

Deep knowledge of modern culinary techniques, food pairing principles, and kitchen workflow design.

Flexibility:

Hands-on leadership style with availability for evenings, weekends, and holiday services as required by the business. Ready to Make Your Mark? If you are ready to bring an exciting new dining destination to life in Las Cruces and take your culinary career to the next level, we'd love to speak with you. Apply today with your resume and a brief note detailing your culinary background, culinary interests/specialities, and leadership style.

Pay:

$45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person