Chef Manager: Creative Scratch Kitchen Leader

Compass Group USA; East Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Bon Appetit, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a Chef Manager to lead culinary and guest-facing food service operations in a contract dining setting. You will drive scratch cooking, seasonal menus, and sustainability while upholding high standards of safety and quality.

The role requires hands-on leadership, inventory control, cost management, staff supervision, and compliance with health regulations. You will champion guest satisfaction and teamwork across front- and back-of-house operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining, hospitality, or high-volume restaurant settings.
• Strong understanding of P&L management and experience in a contract-managed service environment preferred.
• Proven expertise in menu development, production planning, cost control, and inventory management.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary trends, sustainability practices, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of culinary operations, including production, menu planning, food preparation, presentation, and sanitation.
• Manage full food service operations, including inventory control, ordering, receiving, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP standards, health regulations, and company food safety policies.
• Collaborate with the dining team on creative menu development that emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.
• Maintain P&L accountability, oversee food and labor costs, and contribute to financial reporting and forecasting.
• Lead all hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management for frontline staff.
• Train, mentor, and coach culinary and service teams to uphold service standards and culinary excellence.

Skills

Culinary management

Menu development

P&L management

Food safety

Leadership

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Bon Appetit, part of Compass Group USA, seeks a Chef Manager to lead culinary and guest-facing food service operations in a contract dining setting. You will drive scratch cooking, seasonal menus, and sustainability while upholding high standards of safety and quality.

The role requires hands-on leadership, inventory control, cost management, staff supervision, and compliance with health regulations. You will champion guest satisfaction and teamwork across front- and back-of-house operations.