Chef de Cuisine: Multiconcept Outdoor Kitchen Lead

Colen Built Development; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Colen Built Development seeks an Opening Chef de Cuisine to lead culinary operations for The Nest’s multi-concept concepts, including Cow Bird Kitchen and Faregrounds, during a phase of rapid growth. You will shape menus, standards, and service quality while coordinating with a cross-functional leadership team.

You will manage food cost, vendor relationships, and labor, ensuring safety, consistency, and guest satisfaction across concerts, catering, and special events.

Qualifications

• Degree or certification in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-venue operations and high-volume events.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across Cow Bird Kitchen, Faregrounds, catering, and events.
• Build and develop a high-performing culinary leadership team.
• Oversee menu engineering, costing, and quality assurance.
• Manage budgets, procurement, and labor to meet financial targets.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and operational discipline.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu engineering

Budgeting

Staff development

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Culinary Arts degree or Hospitality Management certification

Job description

Colen Built Development seeks an Opening Chef de Cuisine to lead culinary operations for The Nest’s multi-concept concepts, including Cow Bird Kitchen and Faregrounds, during a phase of rapid growth. You will shape menus, standards, and service quality while coordinating with a cross-functional leadership team.

You will manage food cost, vendor relationships, and labor, ensuring safety, consistency, and guest satisfaction across concerts, catering, and special events.