Head Chef — Mission-Driven Kitchen Leader & Mentor

Thistle Farms; Richland (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability

Life Insurance

401k with 4% match

Job summary

Thistle Farms seeks a Head Chef for The Café at Thistle Farms, merging culinary leadership with mission-driven community work while guiding cafe service, catering, events, and afternoon tea. You will mentor a team that includes women in recovery and help maintain a kitchen culture rooted in dignity and growth.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will craft menus, manage costs, ensure food safety, and partner with local suppliers to support local artisans.

Qualifications

• Culinary training or certification required.
• 3+ years as restaurant or banquet chef.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Experience in nonprofit, social enterprise, or mission-driven environments preferred.
• 3+ years of menu development, food costing, food safety leadership, and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all food and beverage production for Café service, catering, events, and special programs (including afternoon tea).
• Provides supervision and daily oversight for back-of-house staff including hiring, training, performance management, and scheduling.
• Maintains quality, presentation, and execution across offerings.
• Leads kitchen operations including prep, service flow, and cleanliness.
• Trains and coaches team on kitchen skills, food safety, and professional standards.
• Develops menus with General Manager reflecting seasonality and brand alignment.
• Manages food and beverage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships.
• Contributes to budgeting and financial reporting related to food and beverage operations.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety leadership

Inventory management

Staff training

Budgeting

Education

Culinary training or certification

Job description

Thistle Farms seeks a Head Chef for The Café at Thistle Farms, merging culinary leadership with mission-driven community work while guiding cafe service, catering, events, and afternoon tea. You will mentor a team that includes women in recovery and help maintain a kitchen culture rooted in dignity and growth.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will craft menus, manage costs, ensure food safety, and partner with local suppliers to support local artisans.