Chef Job Description

Intro Paragraph: Begin your job description with a bird’s-eye view of what the
job is about and which candidates will make a good fit. This helps job
searchers understand the position and whether they’d be interested in reading
more.

To capture the right candidates’ interest, try writing something like:

We are searching for a chef with [specific] cooking expertise to join our
kitchen. With your culinary and managerial experience, you will lead our team
to create menus and food that our guests have come to expect and enjoy. If
you have experience leading a team of cooks to provide guests with a sanitary
and pleasurable dining experience, we’d love to meet you.

About Our Organization: Next, include information about what makes your
restaurant a great place to work. This could be a few sentences that describe
your work culture, company values, and what it’s like to work on the team.

Also, share how you reward successful employees for their hard work. Do you
offer regular raises and promotions? Do you hand out awards or provide chefs
with increased career visibility, such as media or press coverage? The goal is
to attract candidates who will enjoy working for your restaurant and with your
team because their goals and interests align with what you offer employees.
Keep in mind that hiring for culture fit is especially important for Millennial
and Gen Z employees.

Chef Job Responsibilities: Here are some common responsibilities to list on

your chef job description, which you can edit to meet your needs:

 Lead, mentor, and manage the culinary team.

 Develop and plan menus and daily specials.
 Create prep lists for the kitchen crew.
 Manage food costs and inventory.
 Maintain standards for food storage, rotation, quality, and appearance.
 Ensure compliance with applicable health codes and regulations.
 Establish maintenance and cleaning schedules for equipment, storage,
and work areas.
 Interview, vet, and select kitchen staff.
 Schedule staff and assist in human resources processes as needed.
Work Hours and Benefits: No job description is complete without a clear
description of the hours your employees are expected to work. This could be
whether the chef is expected to work certain hours during different seasons,
nights, weekends, or any other combination. Also, be sure to mention whether
you’re looking for full- or part-time help.

Candidates also like to consider the benefits and perks your company offers
when looking for a job. If you offer paid vacation or 401(k) matching, say so
here. Other common benefits and perks include:

 commuter stipends
 tuition reimbursement
 wellness plans

Chef Qualifications and Skills: Here are some examples of the

qualifications and skills most companies hiring a chef list:

 Demonstrated knowledge of culinary techniques and practices.

 Understanding of menu and recipe development techniques.
 Strong leadership abilities.
 Ongoing awareness of culinary trends.
 Understanding of health and sanitation laws.
 Excellent knife-handling skills.
 Applied wine and beverage knowledge.
 Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office.
 Previous kitchen management experience.

Education and Experience Requirements:

 High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

 Experience in a similar role.
 3-5 years’ experience in high-volume kitchens.

Call to Action: Last, we recommend adding a call to action detailing specific

instructions for how interested candidates should apply. Include this
information in your job description to increase the response rate and ensure
applicants submit their applications correctly. An example of an effective call
to action is telling applicants to submit an application by clicking the “apply”
button at the top of the page or by emailing a resume to a specific address.