Head Chef: Local Scratch Kitchen & Catering Lead

At The Local, we believe great food starts with great people. More than just a restaurant, The Local is a hospitality-driven gathering place built around bold flavors, scratch-made cuisine, community partnerships, and memorable guest experiences. We proudly work with local farms and distributors while creating an inclusive, team-first culture that values growth, accountability, and craftsmanship. We are seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations and help establish a culture centered on quality, consistency, and teamwork. This leader will work side-by-side with the culinary team while overseeing execution, catering operations, kitchen systems, staff development, and food standards across every service. The ideal candidate is a strong operational leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes pride in mentoring teams, and is passionate about delivering exceptional food with consistency and care. What You'll Do Culinary Leadership & Execution Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on presence during prep and service. Ensure all food is prepared, plated, and executed to established quality and presentation standards. Maintain consistency across all menu items, catering functions, and special events. Promote the use of seasonal, locally sourced, and high-quality ingredients. Team Leadership & Development Build a positive, accountable kitchen culture. Supervise chefs, cooks, prep staff, and dish team members while fostering teamwork and professionalism. Hire, train, schedule, and develop the culinary team. Lead by example through communication, organization, urgency, and professionalism. Catering & Operations Partner with the Catering Team to execute both on-site and off-site events. Coordinate staffing, prep lists, production timelines, setup, execution, and breakdown procedures. Ensure catering and restaurant operations maintain the same high standards of food quality and consistency. Organize kitchen workflow to maximize efficiency during both restaurant and event operations. Inventory, Cost Control & Compliance Manage food ordering, inventory levels, vendor relationships, and kitchen supplies. Monitor food cost, waste reduction, and operational efficiencies. Maintain all sanitation, food safety, and health department standards. What We're Looking For Qualifications Proven experience in culinary leadership positions Background in high-volume restaurant and/or catering operations Passion for scratch cooking, quality ingredients, and consistent execution Demonstrated ability to build and lead strong kitchen teams Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills Strong understanding of kitchen systems, labor management, inventory, and food cost controls Culinary degree or relevant professional training preferred Valid North Carolina driver’s license required Must successfully pass a criminal background check and maintain an acceptable driving record Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout shifts Frequent lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 pounds Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and event-driven schedules Why The Local The Local is committed to creating more than a restaurant experience; we are building a culture rooted in hospitality, craftsmanship, and community impact. From house-made sauces and thoughtfully sourced ingredients to collaborative teamwork and local partnerships, every detail matters. If you are a chef who leads from the front, values consistency, and is passionate about developing people while delivering exceptional culinary experiences, we’d love to meet you. Hurricanes Holding, LLC reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. Hurricanes Holdings, LLC may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description. This description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr Carolina Hurricanes