Head Chef

Head Chef — The Spinster Sisters Santa Rosa, CA|Full-Time Launched in 2012 The Spinster Sisters is an award winning neighborhood favorite in Santa Rosa’s Arts District, rooted in the flavors and farmers of Sonoma County. We believe a great restaurant starts with our local growers, our community, and our team. We’re looking for a Head Chef who shares that philosophy and is ready to lead our kitchen into its next chapter. As Head Chef, you’ll focus on both the creative vision and the day-to-day operations of our kitchen. We are looking for menus that celebrate the season, a leader who inspires a talented culinary team, and ensures every plate that leaves the kitchen reflects our commitment to quality and hospitality. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who loves to cook as much as they love to build culture. The Spinster Sisters has spent thirteen years earning its place as a cornerstone of the Santa Rosa dining scene, and the right Head Chef will honor that legacy while bringing a fresh eye to what’s next. You’ll develop seasonal menus that celebrate the local farmers and flavors our guests have come to love, while introducing new ideas, techniques, and perspectives that keep the kitchen and the community excited. Job Description Develop and evolve seasonal menus rooted in local, farm‑fresh ingredients Partner with local farmers, ranchers, and purveyors to source the best of Sonoma County Lead, mentor, and schedule the kitchen team, fostering a positive, collaborative environment Oversee all kitchen operations including food safety, prep systems, inventory, and cost controls Plan and execute private dining events, outside catering, buyouts, and special occasions with care and creativity Build new areas of the food business in collaboration with our sister hotel Collaborate with front‑of‑house leadership to deliver a seamless guest experience Manage food costs and ordering to meet budgetary goals without compromising quality This is a working chef job—shifts on the line and as expo will be a common part of the role, especially in the quieter parts of the year. Qualifications we are looking for A skilled, passionate cook with deep respect for seasonal and farm‑to‑table cuisine An experienced kitchen leader who knows how to develop people and maintain standards Someone with a proven track record in private dining, events, or special programming Organized and calm under pressure — you run a tight ship without losing the joy of cooking A genuine team player who communicates openly and leads by example Connected to or excited to be part of the Sonoma County food community We encourage women and members of the LGBTQ+ and BiPOC communities to apply Physical Demands and Work Environment Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time Ability to remain calm under pressure and deal with unexpected situations Must be able to lift, balance, and carry plates of food Must be able to lift cases of wine on a daily basis Must be able to use both hands to handle, grasp, move and control objects, tools and equipment operations Must be able to bend or twist body Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds Must be able to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Compensation & Benefits Base salary up to $70,000-90,000, commensurate with experience Health insurance Paid time off (PTO) Employee dining discount Affordable local housing available Potential equity ownership through either buy‑in and/or profit share Each of the items listed is considered to be an essential function of the role. However, this list should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities of the position. The Spinster Sisters reserves the right to alter the duties of this role. The Spinster Sisters is committed to hiring a diverse workforce, sustaining an inclusive culture, fostering an environment of continual improvement, and opportunities for growth and career development. #J-18808-Ljbffr