Job Summary
Edge Catering is seeking a Kitchen Operations Chef to lead our kitchen team in managing daily operations in the kitchen. The Kitchen Operations Chef oversees and manages all aspects of the catering kitchen, ensuring efficient production, quality control, food safety, and timely delivery for both corporate drop-off catering and large-scale event catering. This role balances operational leadership with culinary execution, supporting business growth through consistent, high-standard food delivery and smooth kitchen workflow. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation, cooking, and previous catering experience with the ability to manage a daily operations effectively while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. This role requires creativity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in the food industry.
Key Responsibilities1. Kitchen & Culinary Operations
- Plan, organize, and execute daily kitchen operations for both drop-off and event catering.
- Oversee menu production schedules, ensuring timely preparation aligned with delivery/event timelines.
- Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portioning across all catering services.
- Adapt menus and production methods for different scales (small corporate orders vs. large events).
2. Staff Leadership & Training
- Supervise, schedule, and train kitchen staff, ensuring productivity and adherence to culinary standards.
- Lead by example in professionalism, teamwork, and kitchen discipline.
- Foster a culture of accountability, cleanliness, and efficiency.
3. Menu Planning & Development
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef/Management to design menus suited for corporate drop-off and large events.
- Ensure menus are cost-effective, logistically feasible, and meet client expectations.
- Innovate with seasonal offerings, dietary accommodations, and client-driven menu adaptations.
4. Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure kitchen operations comply with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
- Implement and monitor HACCP (or equivalent) procedures.
- Train and enforce staff compliance with safe food handling and allergen management.
5. Inventory & Cost Control
- Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
- Control food and labor costs through efficient production and waste minimization.
- Work with suppliers to ensure quality and cost-effective sourcing.
6. Event Catering Support
- Coordinate kitchen production with event execution teams.
- Ensure proper packaging, labeling, and transport of food for on-site catering.
- Be present or available at large events to oversee kitchen-related service and troubleshoot issues.
7. Corporate Drop-Off Catering Support
- Streamline production processes for high-volume daily drop-off catering.
- Oversee packaging systems to maintain quality during delivery.
- Ensure orders are accurate, timely, and meet client specifications.
8. Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with sales, operations, and logistics teams to align kitchen output with client requirements.
- Provide operational input to improve workflows, menus, and client satisfaction.
- Participate in post-event reviews to continuously improve operations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Head/Operations Chef in a catering or high-volume kitchen.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Expertise in production cooking, menu planning, and event execution.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance standards.
- Ability to adapt to fluctuating demands (daily drop-offs vs. high-pressure event deadlines).
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Performance Metrics
- Food quality consistency and customer satisfaction ratings.
- On-time and accurate order fulfillment for drop-off and event catering.
- Kitchen efficiency (labor hours vs. output, minimized waste, cost control).
- Compliance with safety, hygiene, and company policies.
- Staff retention, training effectiveness, and team performance.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 2025-09-02