Chef de Cuisine

Altamarea; Bernardsville (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Osteria Morini, part of the Altamarea Group, seeks a skilled Chef de Cuisine for its Bernardsville location. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, promoting culinary excellence, and leading a dynamic team in a vibrant, high-performance environment focused on Italian cuisine.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Paid Time Off

Career Development and Growth Opportunities

Employee Dining Discount

401(k) Plan

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience as Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a full-service kitchen.
• Italian cuisine experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to handle trays and lift items up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and manage back-of-house staff.
• Maintain food quality and presentation standards.
• Train and mentor kitchen team members.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Communication

Cost Control

Culinary Excellence

Education

ServSafe certification or equivalent

Job description

ABOUT US

Osteria Morini, with locations in NYC, D.C., New Jersey, and Long Island, brings the soulful cuisine and convivial spirit of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy to local vibrant neighborhoods. The menus at Osteria Morini center around the Northern Italian ingredients that have become hallmarks of Italian cuisine - balsamic, Parmigiano Reggiano, mortadella, and prosciutto, to name a few. Signature fresh pastas are made in house daily and featured alongside simply prepared grilled meats, seafood and salads.

Osteria Morini operates as part of Altamarea Group, an award-winning global hospitality firm with 15 restaurants worldwide. Altamarea Group, through its talented team of employees, creates special memories through exceptional hospitality, delivering the highest level of food and service across distinct brands and concepts.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Osteria Morini, a vibrant and rustic Italian restaurant by the Altamarea Group, is seeking a passionate and experienced Chef de Cuisine to oversee kitchen operations at our Bernardsville, NJ location. This is a great position for someone with Sous chef, and Chef De Cuisine experience. We are looking for a dynamic culinary leader who thrives in a high-performance environment, has a passion for Italian cuisine, and inspires excellence in their team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead daily kitchen operations and manage all back-of-house staff, including kitchen sanitation standards, and cuisine standards as required by restaurant.

• Maintain and elevate food quality, consistency, and presentation.

• Collaborate with senior leadership on menu development and seasonal specials.

• Monitor inventory, ordering, and food cost to meet financial targets.

• Train, mentor, and coach line team members in technique, execution, and kitchen culture.

• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.

• Uphold and promote Altamarea Group’s commitment to hospitality, teamwork, and culinary excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume, full-service kitchen (Italian cuisine strongly preferred)

• Strong leadership and team-building skills. Communication skills.

• Knowledge and proficiency in cost control, scheduling, and inventory systems.

• A calm, confident, and professional presence on the line and with staff

• ServSafe certification or equivalent preferred, but not required.

• Physical requirements include ability to handle and carry trays, smallware, equipment, or other items up to 50 lbs, and to stand, walk up and down stairs, and exert well-paced mobility for extended period of time

WHAT WE OFFER

At Altamarea Group, we are committed to creating a supportive and professionally rewarding work environment for all of our team members. We are also pleased to offer the following benefits for our employees:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits with wide range of coverage options for families (30 days from date of hire)
• Paid Time Off (progressive with tenure)
• Career Development and Growth Opportunities
• Employee Dining Discount at All Altamarea Group Restaurants
• 401(k) Plan (one year from date of hire)

Altamarea Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.