Kitchen Lead Chef — Hands-On Leader for Service & Specials

BakeChop Co; DeLand (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Compensation Based on Experience

Downtown DeLand location

Part of BakeChop Co.

Job summary

Hunters & Gatherers is seeking an experienced Kitchen Lead / Chef to oversee day-to-day BOH operations and actively participate on the line in Downtown DeLand, FL.

The ideal candidate combines culinary excellence with strong operational discipline, including cost control, staff development, and consistent execution of recipes and standards. This is a hands-on leadership role with duties across ordering, inventory, and scheduling.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of a BOH team in a busy kitchen.
• Ability to manage food cost, inventory, and labor within budget.
• Experience in breaking down fish and basic butchery.

Responsibilities

• Lead day to day BOH operations and support the team during service.
• Work multiple stations and assist wherever needed during busy periods.
• Maintain food quality, consistency, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Confidently cook steaks and proteins to requested temperatures.
• Break down whole fish and support proper butchery and prep techniques.
• Develop and execute weekly and seasonal specials.
• Maintain recipes and ensure specials are practical, cost effective, and executable by the team.
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, and product pars.
• Monitor food cost, waste, portion control, and product utilization.
• Help manage BOH labor, scheduling, and overtime within company expectations.
• Maintain prep systems and ensure the kitchen is properly prepared for service.
• Oversee cleanliness, organization, food safety, and deep cleaning standards.
• Hold the BOH team accountable for attendance, performance, sanitation, and station readiness.
• Train and develop cooks with varying levels of experience.
• Create a positive, professional kitchen environment while maintaining high standards.
• Communicate effectively with FOH leadership and BakeChop Co. management.
• Participate in special events, chef driven events, catering opportunities, and community events
• Represent Hunters & Gatherers professionally within the Downtown DeLand community

Skills

Line cook leadership

Culinary fundamentals

Food cost understanding

Inventory management

Staff development

Communication skills

Sanitation standards

Job description

Hunters & Gatherers is seeking an experienced Kitchen Lead / Chef to oversee day-to-day BOH operations and actively participate on the line in Downtown DeLand, FL.

The ideal candidate combines culinary excellence with strong operational discipline, including cost control, staff development, and consistent execution of recipes and standards. This is a hands-on leadership role with duties across ordering, inventory, and scheduling.