Head Chef- San Diego

Buona Forchetta; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Buona Forchetta in San Diego is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. You will drive quality, hygiene, and innovation in a fast-paced environment, while mentoring a skilled team and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in high-volume kitchens, proven leadership, and a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. This full-time role supports on-site operations and ghost kitchen collaborations, with E-Verify participation

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of inventory, ordering, and kitchen equipment maintenance.
• Experience developing seasonal menus within brand guidelines.
• Familiarity with ghost kitchen models a plus.
• E-Verify participation required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta’s high standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Manage inventory, control stock levels, and handle supplier relationships to ensure top-quality ingredients.
• Oversee ghost kitchen operations and ensure consistency in off-site orders.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Collaborate with the General Manager on staffing issues, including attendance, scheduling, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop new dishes in line with Buona Forchetta’s culinary vision.
• Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules tailored to seasonal restaurant needs.
• Lead by example and foster a supportive, team-focused kitchen culture.
• Ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, every time.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume kitchen

Team management

Menu development

Inventory control

Ghost kitchen

E-Verify

Job description

Join the Buona Forchetta Family San Diego, CA | Full Time | E-Verify Employer $30–$38 per hour, based on experience

At Buona Forchetta, where Italian tradition meets San Diego soul, we serve more than just Neapolitan-style pizza and housemade pasta — we serve joy. As part of our dedication to culinary excellence, we are searching for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity.

Who You Are:

You’re a proven culinary leader with at least 10 years of experience in high-volume kitchens, a deep respect for traditional Italian cuisine, and a passion for managing teams with integrity and enthusiasm. You thrive in fast-paced environments and are always looking to elevate both the menu and the morale of your kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta’s high standards of quality, hygiene, and cleanliness
• Manage inventory, control stock levels, and handle supplier relationships to ensure top-quality ingredients
• Oversee our ghost kitchen operations and ensure consistency in off‑site orders
• Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate necessary repairs
• Collaborate with the General Manager on staffing issues, including attendance, scheduling, and disciplinary actions
• Develop new dishes in line with Buona Forchetta’s culinary vision
• Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules tailored to seasonal restaurant needs
• Lead by example and foster a supportive, team-focused kitchen culture
• Ensure guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience, every time

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Strong understanding of inventory, ordering, and kitchen equipment maintenance
• Experience developing seasonal menus and new recipes within brand guidelines
• Familiarity with ghost kitchen models a plus
• E-Verify participation required

Why Work With Us?

Buona Forchetta isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a family. From our first location in South Park to our growing family of trattorias, we value community, consistency, and a shared love of food. You’ll join a team that believes in working hard, supporting each other, and making guests feel right at home.