Chef Operator: Scratch Kitchen Leader

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental Leave (16 weeks)

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

401K Program

Phone Reimbursement

Commuter Benefits

DIG Meals

Short-Term Disability

Job summary

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training seeks an experienced Chef Operator to lead a scratch-based kitchen and oversee the full restaurant operation. You will mentor a team, drive culinary excellence, and ensure smooth front- and back-of-house performance in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll balance strategic initiatives with hands-on leadership, managing costs, labor, and guest experience while adhering to DOH guidelines and company standards.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years minimum kitchen or operational restaurant management experience.
• Passion for real, good food and leadership to operate a scratch-based kitchen.
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and pitch in where needed.
• Ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Discipline to create systems and organization in fast-changing environments.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills and ability to navigate multiple digital ordering systems.
• Ability to learn new tech platforms and work systematically with them.
• Familiarity with restaurant costing and inventory software.
• Able to perform physical requirements (lift up to 25 lbs frequently, up to 50 lbs occasionally).
• Desire for professional growth and community networking.
• DOH/ServSafe certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire restaurant operation, including P&L responsibilities (food cost, labor, guest experience, sales).
• Collaborate on QA processes and convert guest feedback into actionable insights.
• Lead new initiatives and launches, instill entrepreneurial spirit in the team.
• Ensure compliance with culinary standards and DOH guidelines.
• Troubleshoot technology, systems, and offsite ordering platforms.
• Represent hospitality to guests and delivery partners; train concierge roles.
• Document and communicate employee relations issues to HR.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard new culinarians.
• Develop succession and people plans with Field Leadership.
• Communicate updates and goals daily across the team.
• Uphold DIG’s anti-discrimination policies.

Skills

Kitchen management

Leadership

Communication

Digital literacy

Education

ServSafe certification

Tools

Digital ordering systems

Job description

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training seeks an experienced Chef Operator to lead a scratch-based kitchen and oversee the full restaurant operation. You will mentor a team, drive culinary excellence, and ensure smooth front- and back-of-house performance in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll balance strategic initiatives with hands-on leadership, managing costs, labor, and guest experience while adhering to DOH guidelines and company standards.