Lead Chef

Lead Chef

Historic Santa Cruz Culinary Institution | Santa Cruz, California

Lead the Kitchen. Honor the Legacy. Shape the Future.

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Chef to work with the Executive Chef to direct and lead the culinary operations of a historic Santa Cruz establishment with a proud legacy, loyal following, and deep roots in the community. This is not simply a kitchen management position. We are looking for a seasoned culinary leader who can protect the traditions that have made this establishment special while bringing the organization, creativity, discipline, and leadership required for its next chapter.

The Lead Chef will have responsibility for the culinary operation, leading a large and diverse team of approximately 50 culinary professionals across three kitchens, as well as working closely with the janitorial and support crews.

This is a hands-on executive leadership position requiring exceptional organization, communication, culinary expertise, and the ability to manage a high-volume, multi-kitchen operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for three kitchen operations.
• Lead, mentor, schedule, train, and develop a culinary team of approximately 50 kitchen professionals.
• Maintain consistently high standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.
• Preserve the culinary traditions and character of this historic establishment while identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including preparation, service, sanitation, staffing, and closing procedures.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, stock control, receiving, storage, and product rotation.
• Take responsibility for culinary logistics and supply-chain coordination, ensuring each kitchen has the products and equipment needed to operate efficiently.
• Develop and maintain food-cost controls, portion standards, waste-reduction programs, and inventory procedures.
• Coordinate closely with management and other departments to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Establish and enforce kitchen standards, procedures, and accountability systems.
• Work closely with the janitorial and sanitation teams to maintain exceptional cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout all kitchen and back-of-house areas.
• Ensure compliance with applicable California food-safety, sanitation, workplace, and health regulations.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and retain high-performing culinary staff.
• Manage labor efficiently while maintaining appropriate staffing levels and service standards.
• Lead by example and create a professional, respectful, team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges quickly and effectively during high-volume service.
• Maintain strong communication between the three kitchens and ensure consistent standards across the entire culinary operation.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of professional culinary experience, with significant experience in a leadership or executive culinary position.
• Extensive experience managing large culinary teams.
• Proven experience overseeing multiple kitchens or complex food-service operations.
• Strong knowledge of high-volume food production and service.
• Demonstrated expertise in inventory management, purchasing, logistics, and stock control.
• Strong understanding of food costs, labor costs, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• The ability to recruit, train, motivate, and hold a large team accountable.
• A strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen standards.
• The ability to remain calm, decisive, and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for hospitality, culinary excellence, and preserving the legacy of a historic establishment.

The Ideal Leader

We are looking for someone who understands that leading 50 culinary professionals across three kitchens requires more than culinary talent. You must be a leader, organizer, mentor, problem-solver, and operator. You should be comfortable moving between strategic planning and the realities of a busy kitchen. You know how to build systems, control costs, manage people, maintain standards, and create an environment where talented culinary professionals can succeed. Most importantly, you understand the responsibility that comes with becoming the culinary leader of an establishment that has been serving its community for 79 years.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead the culinary operation of a 79-year-old Santa Cruz institution.
• Executive-level responsibility and significant leadership authority.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a team of approximately 50 culinary professionals.
• Oversight of three kitchens and multiple support operations.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on an established and respected culinary operation.
• A dynamic environment where experience, leadership, and culinary vision are valued.

Location

Capitola, California

How To Apply

If you are an accomplished culinary professional with 10+ years of experience, have successfully led large teams and complex kitchen operations, and are ready to take ownership of a historic establishment's culinary future, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your résumé and a brief introduction outlining your culinary leadership experience, the size and scope of operations you have managed, and why you believe you are the right person to lead this historic Santa Cruz area establishment.

Work Schedule

• 10 hour shift
• Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay

• Bonus pay

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance