Lead Production Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Production Chef – Join Our Award-Winning Culinary Team!

The JDK Group is Central PA’s premier custom catering and event-planning company, and we are excited to welcome a Lead Production Chef to our team! If you have a passion for crafting high-end, beautifully plated, and flavorful cuisine, this is your opportunity to shine. As part of our award-winning culinary team, you'll enjoy a great company culture, growth opportunities to enhance your skills, and the chance to work on diverse events—from weddings and corporate functions to private parties. Every event is a new adventure, and we are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative environment.

At JDK, we value your creativity—bring your ideas to the table! We take pride in giving everyone an equal opportunity to contribute their dish ideas to our menus. You’ll have the chance to collaborate with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef on menu development, helping to shape an ever-evolving selection of dishes that stay on top of current food trends.

What You’ll Do:

• Food Preparation & Execution: Work in our commissary to prepare high-quality, scratch-made dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Lead & Collaborate: Assist the team in preparing food courses to go out to the floor while ensuring consistency and presentation.
• Event Execution: Oversee and participate in on-site cooking, plating, and service execution.
• Quality Control: Maintain high standards of taste, presentation, and food safety.
• Teamwork & Leadership: Work closely with the culinary team to coordinate food prep, timing, and event flow.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure kitchen equipment, utensils, and workstations are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Responsibility of Order Putaway: Coming in on delivery day to check and put away orders.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• 3 years of culinary experience required
• Reliability & Punctuality – Show up ready to work and contribute to the team’s success.
• Ability to Multi-Task – Events are fast-paced, and adaptability is key.
• Strong Work Ethic – We take pride in delivering exceptional service.
• Valid Driver’s License & Reliable Transportation – This role requires flexibility to work on-site at various events.
• ServSafe Certification Preferred – If you don’t have it, we’ll help you get there.

Schedule & Compensation:

• Flexible Scheduling – Mainly M-F daytime hours but some additional nights and weekends based on event schedule.
• Full time - 40 hours per week – A mix of in-house food preparation and on-site event execution.
• Competitive pay – $18-$22/hour, commensurate with experience
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Matching 401k plan

Ready to Join the Team?

If you’re passionate about food, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to be part of an award-winning culinary team, apply today! We can’t wait to meet you.