Executive Chef

Coma Coffee Roasters; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision plan

Dental benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Coma Coffee Roasters seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary team, overseeing all kitchen operations and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The ideal candidate has a passion for Italian cuisine and a proven track record in managing kitchens.

You will manage staff, control food costs, develop pricing strategies, and maintain a safe, sanitary kitchen while driving innovation and seasonal sourcing.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Executive/Head Chef in upscale Italian kitchens.
• Strong leadership and communication skills for a large team.
• Ability to manage food costs and kitchen budgets effectively.
• Deep knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Experience scheduling and mentoring kitchen staff.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations to ensure quality and consistency.
• Oversee food preparation, plating, and presentation to meet standards.
• Coach and develop kitchen staff; foster a positive, collaborative environment.
• Control inventory, pricing, and supplier relationships to optimize costs.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation compliance across the kitchen.
• Source seasonal, local ingredients and refine menus accordingly.
• Monitor kitchen performance and implement improvements for efficiency.
• Collaborate with front-of-house for smooth service during peak hours.
• Drive culinary innovation through new techniques and trends.

Skills

Executive leadership

Italian cuisine

Food cost management

Staff training

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Executive Chef to lead our culinary team. The Executive Chef will be responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen, including staff leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The ideal candidate has a passion for Italian cuisine, a deep understanding of seasonal ingredients, and a proven track record in managing kitchens.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring high quality, consistency, and excellence in every dish served.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and plating, ensuring that dishes meet restaurant standards and are delivered on time.
• Manage kitchen staff, providing training, mentorship, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Work closely with restaurant management to control food costs, develop pricing strategies, and manage inventory.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Source and select top-quality ingredients, focusing on seasonal and local produce when possible.
• Monitor and evaluate kitchen performance, implementing improvements where necessary to optimize efficiency and service.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth communication and service during busy shifts.
• Maintain a focus on innovation, continually researching new techniques and trends to elevate the restaurant’s offerings.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in an upscale restaurant, with a focus on Italian cuisine.
• In-depth knowledge of Italian culinary traditions, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with experience managing large kitchen teams.
• Ability to manage food costs, inventory, and kitchen budget effectively.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health standards.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, managing multiple priorities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, Vision, and Dental benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.