Kitchen Lead

Food Manufacturing Chef Key Responsibilities:

Recipe Scaling & Standardization:

Converting artisanal, restaurant-style recipes into large-scale, manufacturable formulas (batching) that ensure consistent taste, texture, and quality.

Production Oversight:

Supervising daily food production, managing kitchen/production staff, and ensuring efficiency on the production floor. Quality Control (QC): Inspecting raw materials and finished products to ensure they meet established safety, taste, and quality standards.

Safety & Compliance:

Enforcing sanitation standards and adhering to HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) programs, OSHA regulations, and local health codes. Research & Development (R&D): Collaborating with plant manager and owner to develop new products, improve existing ones, and test new production equipment.

Inventory & Cost Management:

Monitoring inventory levels and reducing waste in the production process.

Staff Training:

Instructing personnel on proper cooking techniques, machine operation, and safety protocols.

Required Qualifications & Skills Education:

Minimum:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field.

Experience:

Production Experience:

Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in high-volume, large-scale, or institutional food service (e.g., catering, school systems, food processing).

Leadership:

At least 1-2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Certifications & Licenses:

ServSafe Manager Certification (or similar, such as SQF or HACCP training) is essential.

HAACP Certified Skills & Abilities:

Technical Skills:

Deep understanding of food science, ingredient behavior, and industrial equipment (e.g., mixers, kettles, tilt skillets).

Operational Efficiency:

Proficiency in, or ability to learn, Lean Manufacturing principles.

Communication:

Ability to provide clear, written, and verbal instructions to staff.

Physical Stamina:

Ability to stand for long hours, work in fluctuating hot/cold environments, and lift up to 50 lbs. Common Working Conditions Fast-paced, high-pressure environments, often involving 10 hour shifts. Regular work with production machinery and large batches.

Benefits :

Health insurance Paid time off Dental insurance Vision insurance Monday-Friday job $ 52000-$60000 per year depends on experience and qualifications Potential bonus after the first year

Work Location:

In person