We are seeking a versatile, professional Culinarian for a Head Chef position with our team, overseeing culinary operations at a single location in Champaign, IL . This role offers a unique opportunity for a talented chef with a passion for Menu Creation and Scratch Cooking to make a significant impact on our organization. This is a client-facing position that will collaborate closely with company leadership to drive excellence, foster innovation, and ensure a positive working environment for all. We're looking for growth-minded individuals.
What we're looking for-
- Culinary Excellence:
- Report directly to the COO who is a classically-trained chef.
- Lead and support the culinary direction of a single kitchen in menu development, food preparation, and kitchen management, fostering a culture of creativity and quality.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
- Implement systems and processes to optimize workflow, efficiency, and consistency across all locations.
- Team Empowerment:
- In conjunction w/ leadership team, train and mentor culinary staff to create a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities to empower team members to reach their full potential.
- Foster a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and shared accountability within the culinary teams.
- Serve as a responsive and approachable resource for fellow culinary staff, addressing concerns and facilitating solutions as needed.
- Strategic Collaboration:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align culinary initiatives with broader organizational goals and values.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and community engagement within culinary operations.
- Advocate for equitable practices and policies that promote fairness, transparency, and employee well-being.
- Vendor Partnerships:
- Cultivate relationships with vendors and suppliers, prioritizing partnerships that reflect our commitment to outstanding food & service.
- Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
What You'll Bring to the Table:
- Must have a passion for food as both an art and a science.
- Minimum 4 years of Culinary experience, with a background in classical technique, as well as contemporary menu engineering.
- Client-facing. Must be comfortable talking with clients who are not culinary professionals.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and levels of the organization.
- Knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to food safety and sanitation.
- A passion for sustainability, social responsibility, and culinary innovation.
- Manager Level Food Safety Certification (ServSafe).
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Paid time off. Minimum of 5 weeks throughout the year.
- Freedom to compose your own menus within our concept.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Opportunity to significantly affect young lives & the College Experience through hand crafted food.
- Supportive and engaged Leadership Team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate chef to showcase their talent in a dynamic culinary setting. If you meet the requirements and are looking for something different, we invite you to send us your resume.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Pay rate:
Shift:
Supplemental pay types:
- Bonus opportunities
- Overtime pay
Weekly day range:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Culinary experience: 4 years (Required)
- Kitchen management: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Ability to Commute:
Ability to Relocate:
- Atlanta, GA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person