Lead Chef – Grocery store deli and kitchen

LaBonne's Markets; Salisbury (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20% employee discount

Paid time off

Health benefits including vision and dental

401k with matching

Job summary

LaBonne's Markets in Salisbury is hiring a full-time Chef to lead daily operations in our grocery store deli and kitchen. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of culinary experience overseeing food production and staff, ensuring high-quality service and compliance with food safety regulations.

Responsibilities include managing inventory, maintaining quality and presentation standards, and training kitchen staff. The role offers a competitive salary, health benefits, and growth opportunities within a family-friendly work environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of culinary experience.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen, grocery store kitchen, or catering.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen production in a fast-paced environment.
• Prepare and execute various food items and meals.
• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen and deli staff.

Skills

Culinary experience

Food safety knowledge

Inventory management

Supervisory skills

Ability to multitask

Education

Culinary degree or formal culinary training

Job description

Overview

LaBonnes Markets is hiring a full-time (Monday- Friday/weekends/Holidays) Chef position for our Salisbury location. We are seeking an experienced Chef to lead daily operations in a fast-paced, high-volume grocery store deli and kitchen. This role oversees food production, menu execution, staff supervision, food safety compliance, inventory management, and maintaining exceptional quality and consistency. Since 1962, LaBonnes Markets has been dedicated to providing a family-like atmosphere for our associates and our customers. We believe that happy associates provide quality service. And its that dedication and investment into our employees that keeps people coming back to us for generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen production in a high-volume environment.
• Prepare and execute hot foods, grab-and-go meals, catering trays, soups, salads, sandwiches, and specialty items.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen and deli staff.
• Maintain sanitation and food safety standards in compliance with local health regulations.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, waste control, and food costs.
• Coordinate production to meet peak customer demand and sales goals.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and operated safely.
• Assist with menu planning, seasonal offerings, and merchandising displays.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.
• Work collaboratively with Deli Supervisor and store management teams.

Requirements / Qualifications

Required

• 3–5+ years of culinary experience.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen, grocery store kitchen, commissary, catering, or food service operation.
• Prior supervisory or kitchen leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with inventory management and ordering.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification.

Preferred

• Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
• Experience with retail food operations.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Experience with prepared foods merchandising and production planning.

Benefits

• 20% employee discount
• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Growth opportunities
• Family-friendly work environment
• Health benefits including vision and dental
• 401k with matching