Executive Lead Chef — Three-Kitchen Heritage Operation

Workstream; Capitola (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive leadership

Lead 50 staff

Three kitchens

Historic institution

Impactful legacy

Job summary

Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA, is seeking a Lead Chef to partner with the Executives to direct a historic culinary operation across three kitchens and a team of about 50 professionals. This hands-on leadership role demands seasoned culinary expertise, top-tier organization, and a commitment to hospitality.

The ideal candidate will balance tradition with innovation, oversee cost controls, ensure safety and cleanliness, and drive performance across all kitchens to deliver exceptional

Qualifications

• Experience leading large culinary teams across three kitchens.
• Proven ability to run high-volume production and service.
• Strong inventory, purchasing, logistics, and stock-control skills.
• Solid knowledge of food and labor cost management.
• Exceptional organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to recruit, train, motivate, and hold a large team accountable.
• Deep understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Calm, decisive leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to hospitality and preserving the establishment's legacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for three kitchen operations.
• Lead, mentor, schedule, train, and develop a culinary team of about 50.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Preserve culinary traditions while driving improvements and innovation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations: prep, service, sanitation, staffing, closing.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, stock control, receiving, storage and rotation.
• Coordinate with management and other departments for smooth operations.
• Establish and enforce kitchen standards, procedures, and accountability.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with California regulations.
• Recruit and retain high-performing culinary staff; lead with professionalism.
• Maintain cost controls and optimize labor while meeting service levels.
• Lead by example and foster a respectful, team-oriented culture.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges during high-volume service.
• Maintain consistency across three kitchens.

Skills

Extensive experience managing largecul

Job description

Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA, is seeking a Lead Chef to partner with the Executives to direct a historic culinary operation across three kitchens and a team of about 50 professionals. This hands-on leadership role demands seasoned culinary expertise, top-tier organization, and a commitment to hospitality.

The ideal candidate will balance tradition with innovation, oversee cost controls, ensure safety and cleanliness, and drive performance across all kitchens to deliver exceptional