Cafe Head Chef - Boston

Tatte Bakery & Café; Brookline (MA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) with match

Paid vacation

Flexible schedules

Free meals

Mental health support

EAP

Parking

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Tatte Bakery & Café in the Boston area is seeking a Cafe Head Chef to oversee all kitchen operations, leading a team of up to 25 including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers. You will collaborate with front and back of house teams to deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, and hospitality in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

The role requires culinary excellence, strong leadership, and the ability to develop and coach staff while upholding Tatte’s standards.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience.
• Passion for culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen systems and processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead with professionalism and strong kitchen leadership.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and organization.
• Coach and support kitchen staff through training.
• Oversee kitchen production and service per guidelines.
• Enforce recipe, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Maintain cleaning, maintenance, and inventory controls.
• Support seasonal menu changes and team development.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety & sanitation

Team development

Verbal & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Cafe Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations within the café and plays a critical role in the success and growth of the kitchen team. Cafe Head Chefs may supervise up to 25 team members, including Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers. This role requires the ability to engage, inspire, and lead a strong team while maintaining operational excellence in a fast paced, high volume environment.

Our Cafe Head Chefs work closely with both Front and Back of House teams to deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, and hospitality standards throughout the café.

We are looking for leaders who are passionate about culinary excellence, thrive in fast paced kitchen environments, and are committed to developing strong teams while upholding Tatte’s standards for quality and execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

We expect our Cafe Head Chefs to:

• Lead with professionalism, accountability, and strong kitchen leadership
• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and organization
• Develop, coach, and support kitchen team members
• Lead kitchen operations with efficiency and attention to detail
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and operational standards
• Live Tatte’s core values and help support our mission
• Have flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Scope of Responsibilities

• Run kitchen production and service according to established operational guidelines
• Follow and enforce recipe, portioning, and presentation standards
• Complete and utilize daily production worksheets and waste logs while monitoring food quality
• Train kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for kitchen equipment, storage, and work areas
• Maintain inventory levels within established guidelines while ensuring product availability
• Follow company safety and sanitation policies and procedures
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development programs as needed
• Support implementation and execution of seasonal menu changes
  Other related assignments as necessary

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work 10+ hour shifts and stand, sit, squat, or walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to grasp, reach overhead, push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal education or training
• Proven passion for culinary excellence and exceeding guest expectations
• Strong operational knowledge and understanding of systems, methods, and processes that contribute to successful kitchen execution
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• High school diploma or equivalent required

OUR BENEFITS & PERKS

• Competitive Pay: $73,000–$94,000 annually, depending on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation
• Flexible schedules with no late nights
• Free meals and beverages during each shift
• Free mental health support
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Parking benefit where applicable
• An inclusive community that offers potential for growth

Please note that we hire managers for the greater Boston market, and while we strive to place them in cafés that are convenient to them, placement at specific cafés is not guaranteed.

Learn more about us at tattebakery.com

Please note that Tatte is an E-Verify employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.