Lead Chef, Kitchen Ops & Team Development

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc. is seeking an experienced Chef to support daily operations of our foodservice program. The role focuses on culinary leadership, high‑volume production, and cost control, working with the General Manager to develop staff and ensure food quality and safety standards.

The position requires kitchen/front‑of‑house leadership, adherence to Local Food Code, and HACCP/SureSafe protocols, with a team‑oriented approach and potential for additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent training.
• 2+ years’ experience as a Chef in contract foodservice or related environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of food service regulations.
• Strong Leadership and Management skills.
• Positive attitude and approach.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Self‑motivated, creative problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• ServSafe Certification

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance to kitchen team on food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Guide front‑of‑house team on menu items and service standards.
• Oversee kitchen ordering, storage, and issuance.
• Maintain first‑in, first‑out food rotation and proper dating for QA.
• Train new kitchen and front‑of‑house staff on SFM standards.
• Manage food orders and minimize waste; track budgets.
• Assist with inventory and end‑of‑month reporting.
• Supervise all food prep/presentation to ensure quality and standards.
• Collaborate with team to maintain kitchen organization and training opportunities.
• Support sanitation program and maintain logs.
• Cover positions as needed to ensure shift coverage.
• May assume General Manager duties when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership & Management

Organizational skills

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Customer service

Under pressure

Self-motivated

Positive attitude

ServSafe Certified

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc. is seeking an experienced Chef to support daily operations of our foodservice program. The role focuses on culinary leadership, high‑volume production, and cost control, working with the General Manager to develop staff and ensure food quality and safety standards.

The position requires kitchen/front‑of‑house leadership, adherence to Local Food Code, and HACCP/SureSafe protocols, with a team‑oriented approach and potential for additional duties as needed.