Head Chef

Job description:

Head Chef (Del Pez Mexican Gastropub)

Full-Time | Leadership Role | High-Impact Culinary Position

Del Pez Mexican Gastropub is looking for a Head Chef who is ready for more than "running a kitchen." This role is designed for a culinary leader who thrives on building teams, developing future leaders, and bringing energy, creativity, and consistency to a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

This position is the next step up from Head Chef and a key part of our long-term leadership pipeline — with real growth potential into Culinary Director within the Del Pez brand for the right person.

About Del Pez

Del Pez is a modern Mexican gastropub built on bold flavors, consistent execution, and an energetic guest experience. We operate in a high-volume environment where standards matter — from scratch-driven prep, to clean plating, to disciplined line execution. Our goal is simple: food that's craveable, consistent, and worthy of repeat visits — every occasion, every day!

Why This Role is Different

This isn't a job for someone who simply wants to "manage the line." We're looking for a leader who:

Loves coaching and developing people

Has a strong work ethic and personal accountability

Is passionate about culinary execution + menu development

Brings positive energy and thrives in a "lead from the front" culture

Wants to grow into a brand-level culinary leadership career

What You'll Do

As the Head Chef, you will run the kitchen operations at one Del Pez location, leading through your Sous Chef and hourly kitchen leaders, while partnering with our Culinary Director to evolve and strengthen the Del Pez culinary brand.

Core Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day kitchen operations including quality, execution, cleanliness, and standards

Recruit, train, coach, and retain top culinary talent

Develop leaders — building a pipeline of future Sous Chefs, Head Chefs, and Executive Chefs

Drive consistency through training, communication, and structured accountability

Own seasonal features, recipe testing, and execution training to ensure menu rollouts are successful and consistent

Partner with the Culinary Director to drive recipe development, plating standards, prep systems, and menu innovation

Maintain high standards of sanitation, food safety, and kitchen organization

Monitor and manage performance factors such as food cost and operational efficiency

Uphold professionalism, teamwork, and a productive kitchen culture at all times

What Success Looks Like in Your First 90 Days

In your first 90 days, you will:

Establish consistency in execution, cleanliness, and shift-to-shift standards

Stabilize BOH staffing and strengthen the performance and professionalism of the kitchen team

Improve and update training, accountability, and communication systems for long-term consistency

Begin collaboration with the Culinary Director on menu features, refinements, and structured rollout execution

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a strong operator — but more importantly, a true leader.

You'll love this role if you…

Take pride in being hands-on and setting the pace

Get real satisfaction from developing others and building strong teams

Are excited by food, culinary creativity, and teaching proper execution

Have high personal standards and expect the same from your team

Enjoy structure and follow-through (organized, consistent, accountable)

Want long-term career growth with an expanding restaurant group

Qualifications 5+ years of progressive kitchen leadership experience (high volume preferred)

Demonstrated success developing culinary teams and kitchen leadership talent

Strong culinary fundamentals and the ability to coach execution at every level

Experience with ordering, inventory, sanitation standards, and kitchen systems

Confidence leading under pressure — calm, professional, and accountable

We offer a leadership-focused environment and competitive benefits, including:

Insurance options (medical/dental/vision)

PTO 401(k)

Management dining program

Strong internal career development and upward mobility

Non-Negotiables

This role requires a leader who is present, consistent, and holds high standards every day. If you're looking for a role with low accountability or limited hands-on leadership, this will not be the right fit.

Ready to Lead at a Higher Level?

If you're looking for a role where you can run a kitchen, develop people, help shape a brand, and build a long-term career — we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and take the next step in your culinary leadership journey with Del Pez.

Benefits: 401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

How many years have you managed a full-service restaurant kitchen, and how many kitchen employees did you directly supervise in your most recent role?

Give one specific example of how you controlled food or kitchen labor costs. What did you change, and what was the result? xhyhwjd

Give one example of how you handled a kitchen employee who repeatedly failed to meet food-quality, prep, or cleanliness standards.

Experience:

Kitchen management: 5 years (Required)Employment Type: Full Time Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: Yes