Chef de Cuisine

Restaurant Associates; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in Kirkland, WA is seeking a Chef de Cuisine to lead day-to-day culinary operations under the Executive Chef. You will ensure high standards of food quality, presentation, safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency across all services.

The role requires strong leadership, menu development input, inventory and cost controls, and the ability to train and guide a professional kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate required or preferred.
• Progressive culinary experience in high-volume operations recommended.
• Experience in kitchen management and leadership roles beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and cost controls.
• Demonstrated ability to train and lead culinary teams.
• ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary production to ensure quality and presentation.
• Partner with Executive Chef to meet standards and goals.
• Lead the culinary department in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Ensure HACCP and sanitation compliance for all foods.
• Assist with menu development and cost-control measures.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and food cost controls.
• Train and develop kitchen staff to maintain high performance.
• Support high-volume catering and large events.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Batch cooking

Food safety

Menu development

Inventory management

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Restaurant Associates

Position Title: Chef de Cuisine

Location: Kirkland, WA

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:30AM - 4:00PM Pacific

Salary: $95,000 - $102,000 / year

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Working as the Chef de Cuisine, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day culinary operations and ensuring the successful execution of food production under the direction of the Executive Chef. This position plays a key leadership role in maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency. The Chef de Cuisine will also serve as a culinary leader and may assume responsibility for departmental operations in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and support daily culinary production to ensure the consistent preparation, quality, and presentation of all food offerings.
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef to execute culinary standards, operational goals, and exceptional dining experiences.
• Serve as the culinary department leader in the absence of the Executive Chef, providing direction and maintaining continuity of operations.
• Ensure all food production, preparation, storage, and presentation practices comply with HACCP guidelines and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards.
• Assist with menu development and implementation, incorporating current food and catering trends while meeting operational and client needs.
• Support inventory management, ordering, purchasing and food cost controls to promote efficient and cost-effective culinary operations.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a professional, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen environment.
• Assist with personnel management responsibilities, including hiring, performance management, coaching, counseling, and corrective action as needed.
• Oversee food production for high-volume service, batch cooking, catering events, and large banquet functions.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, consistency, presentation, sanitation, and guest satisfaction across all culinary operations.
• Partner with culinary and operations leadership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts (A.O.S.) or a culinary certificate preferred.
• Three to five years of progressive culinary experience preferred.
• Two to five years of culinary or kitchen management experience, depending on formal education, training, and overall experience.
• Previous experience in high-volume food production, batch cooking, catering, banquet, or large-scale event operations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience producing food for large catering or banquet functions.
• Strong knowledge of current food and catering trends, with an emphasis on quality, production, presentation, and innovation.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, purchasing, and food cost controls.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Proven ability to train, coach, develop, and lead culinary teams.
• ServSafe Certification required or the ability to obtain certification.

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates At Restaurant Associates Are Offered Many Fantastic Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf