Head Chef

Bella Vino Wine Bar; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

StaffedUp is seeking a skilled Head Chef in Missouri to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and elevate our menu. You will oversee menu creation, staff development, cost control, and quality standards to deliver an outstanding dining experience.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in a top kitchen role, strong leadership, and a passion for innovative, guest-focused dishes. ServSafe knowledge is a plus, and collaboration with front‑of‑house is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Creativity and passion for guest-driven dishes.
• Financial acumen with food costs, inventory, and vendor relations.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations; ServSafe preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily kitchen operations and manage a team of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Design, refine, and execute a creative, seasonal menu aligned with the restaurant concept and goals.
• Ensure every dish meets high standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency.
• Hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster a strong, collaborative team culture.
• Oversee food purchasing, control costs, monitor portioning, and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations (ServSafe preferred).
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership and ownership to align kitchen with business objectives.
• Oversee service during busy shifts, manage workflow, and address issues quickly and professionally.

Skills

Kitchen Leadership

Team Management

Menu Development

Food Safety

Cost Control

Job description

We’re looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and take our menu to the next level. If you have a deep love for food, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to quality, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Position Overview:

As the Head Chef, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations—from menu creation and food quality to staff development and cost control. You will lead by example, inspire your team, and maintain the highest culinary standards to deliver an outstanding dining experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Direct daily kitchen operations and manage a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff
• Menu Development: Design, refine, and execute a creative, seasonal menu aligned with the restaurant’s concept and goals
• Food Quality and Consistency: Ensure every dish meets high standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency
• Staff Training and Development: Hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff to create a strong, collaborative team culture
• Inventory and Cost Management: Oversee food purchasing, control costs, monitor portioning, and reduce waste
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations (ServSafe certification preferred)
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with front-of-house leadership and ownership to align kitchen performance with overall business objectives
• Expedite and Problem-Solving: Oversee service during busy shifts, manage workflow, and handle issues quickly and professionally

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: Minimum 3+ years as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen
• Culinary Expertise: Strong command of cooking techniques, industry trends, and kitchen operations
• Leadership and Team Management: Ability to train, motivate, and manage a kitchen team with professionalism and energy
• Creativity and Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for food, flavor, and designing unique, guest-driven dishes
• Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing food costs, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Time Management and Organization: Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Communication Skills: Clear, professional communicator with staff, vendors, and leadership