Corporate Cafe Chef Manager

Harper Associates; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Harper Associates in Birmingham, AL seeks an experienced Chef Manager to lead the culinary operations of a high-quality corporate café. This hands-on role combines daily kitchen leadership with strategic menu execution and guest satisfaction.

You will oversee food preparation, quality standards, inventory, ordering, and food safety while developing a strong culinary team. This Monday–Friday position offers a stable schedule and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in professional culinary experience in high-volume settings.
• Experience as Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager.
• Strong cooking skills and commitment to quality food.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a culinary team.
• Experience with menu planning, ordering, and inventory.
• Solid food safety knowledge and sanitation practices.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Culinary degree or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe certification preferred or required by local regs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and menu execution.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and food-cost controls.
• Maintain quality standards and food safety.
• Lead by example and develop the culinary team.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Maintain daily café operations on a Monday–Friday schedule.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Inventory management

Communication

Hands-on leadership

Culinary degree preferred

ServSafe certified

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and hands‑on Chef Manager to lead the culinary operations of a high-quality corporate café. This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys being actively involved in daily kitchen operations while also providing strong leadership, organization, and team development.

The Chef Manager will oversee food preparation, menu execution, quality standards, inventory, ordering, food safety, and daily café operations. The successful candidate will lead by example, working alongside the culinary team to ensure exceptional food, service, and guest satisfaction.

This is a Monday–Friday position with no regular weekend schedule, making it an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional seeking a consistent corporate schedule.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional culinary experience, preferably in a café, corporate dining, hotel, restaurant, or high-volume food-service environment.
• Previous experience in a Chef, Sous Chef, Chef Manager, or Kitchen Manager role.
• Strong cooking and culinary skills with a passion for quality food.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a culinary team.
• Experience with menu planning, recipe execution, ordering, inventory, and food-cost management.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Comfortable being hands‑on in the kitchen and leading from the front.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Food safety certification such as ServSafe preferred or required based on local regulations.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a working chef and strong people leader who takes pride in both the food and the operation. You bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, creativity, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding café experience every day.

What We Offer

• No regular weekend or late-night shifts
• Opportunity to lead and develop a culinary team
• Creative input into menus and daily food offerings
• Opportunity for growth and advancement