Chef (Commercial Kitchen / Meal Prep Production)

The Prep Daddy; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Prep Daddy in the San Diego area is seeking a Chef (Commercial Kitchen / Meal Prep Production) to lead high-volume production in a busy kitchen, cook large batches, and ensure consistency with recipes and portion sizes.

You will train prep cooks, oversee safety and sanitation, manage inventory, and collaborate on seasonal menu offerings. Weekend availability is required; role can be full-time or part-time with hourly pay listed as $28–$40.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a senior kitchen role in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience with high-volume meal prep, catering, or restaurant operations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Ability to lead a team with a positive, professional attitude.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• ServSafe or equivalent Food Manager Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook large-volume batches of proteins, vegetables, rice, potatoes, and other menu items.
• Execute recipes with precision to ensure consistency in taste, quality, and portion sizes.
• Lead kitchen production according to weekly cooking schedules and order volumes.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooled, stored, and packaged in compliance with health department regulations.
• Train and supervise prep cooks and kitchen staff as the team grows.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient commercial kitchen.
• Monitor food quality throughout production and make adjustments as needed.
• Manage inventory, reduce food waste, and communicate purchasing needs.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures.
• Assist with developing new recipes and seasonal menu offerings.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

High-volume production

Meal prep

Time management

Training staff

Education

Food Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent)

Job description

Chef (Commercial Kitchen / Meal Prep Production) at The Prep Daddy.

Location: The Prep Daddy Kitchen - Kearny Mesa

Type / pay: Hourly - $28-$40

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook large-volume batches of proteins, vegetables, rice, potatoes, and other menu items.
• Execute recipes with precision to ensure consistency in taste, quality, and portion sizes.
• Lead kitchen production according to weekly cooking schedules and order volumes.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooled, stored, and packaged in compliance with health department regulations.
• Train and supervise prep cooks and kitchen staff as the team grows.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient commercial kitchen.
• Monitor food quality throughout production and make adjustments as needed.
• Manage inventory, reduce food waste, and communicate purchasing needs.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures.
• Assist with developing new recipes and seasonal menu offerings.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Lead Cook in a commercial kitchen.
• Experience with high-volume food production, meal prep, catering, or restaurant operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices.
• Ability to lead a team while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Food Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) preferred.

What We're Looking For

• Passion for creating high-quality food.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to consistency.
• Calm under pressure and able to work efficiently during production.
• Creative mindset with a desire to continuously improve recipes and kitchen operations.
• Takes ownership of the kitchen and leads by example.

Schedule

• Full-Time or Part-Time
• Weekend availability required.
• Flexible scheduling based on production needs and business growth.