Chef

Overview

We’re looking for a passionate and innovative Chef to lead the culinary direction at our vibrant Los Angeles café. This is a unique opportunity to take charge of menu creation, elevate the dining experience, and lead a dynamic kitchen team. As the Chef, you’ll oversee all aspects of food preparation, kitchen operations, and team management. You will play a key role in ensuring food quality, maintaining inventory and portion control, and ensuring a clean, organized kitchen. This position offers the chance to shape the future of our café’s culinary offerings while fostering a collaborative and efficient kitchen environment. If you're excited to bring your creativity and leadership to a thriving team, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Design menus with cost-efficient, sustainable, and community-focused options.
• Maintain budgeted costs of goods, labor, and supplies in collaboration with the Cafe Leadership team.
• Provide culinary direction for high-quality, consistent food.
• Lead kitchen staff, promote collaboration, and ensure excellence.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and company policies.
• Stay updated on culinary trends to enhance dining experiences.
• Quality control of prep, line, and deli; ensure consistent product output.
• Ensure accountability in daily inventory tracking and the production list.
• Properly staff the kitchen by interviewing, hiring, training, and managing performance.
• Collaborate seamlessly with the FOH Leadership team to ensure a consistent, exceptional guest experience.
• Address complaints, resolve problems, and maintain a high level of employee satisfaction.
• Work with a sense of urgency and attention to detail. Teach and promote the same work ethic to other team members.
• Oversee monthly inventory and ordering processes.
• Provide staff with necessary materials and information (e.g., menu descriptions, recipes, production schedules).
• Assist with training of kitchen personnel and foster a culture of ongoing learning.
• Perform regular kitchen duties, including prep work, line cook assistance, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain high standards for the appearance and quality of all food prepared and served.
• Provide input regarding menu development, operational policies, and kitchen processes.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• ServSafe Manager certification required.
• 4+ years in a kitchen lead position in food production.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required licenses, certifications, or permits.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate and mentor team members.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and work efficiently in high-energy, fast-paced environments.
• Passion for good food and excellent customer experiences.
• Exceptional knife skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to discern product quality through taste, texture, temperature, and presentation.
• Must legally be able to work in the United States
• Strong communication skills, both with kitchen staff and other departments.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Able to work 8+ hour shifts while standing or walking for extended periods.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet business needs.
• Ability to grasp, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to maneuver effectively around the kitchen, restaurant office, and up/downstairs.

Benefits:

• Salary Range: 85,000 - 95,000 based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for all full-time employees - 80% contribution to base plan monthly premium 
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off + Paid Volunteer time off
• Free coffee at any Sightglass cafe and a weekly bag of beans
• Discounts on food, merchandise, extra bags of beans, and more

***

Sightglass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We deliver an ever-evolving and consistently excellent coffee experience. We approach coffee holistically, establishing relationships at every step. We stay true to our welcoming and resourceful culture.