Bench Chef

Sage Hospitality Group • Denver, CO

1d

About The Position

Sage Restaurant Concepts (SRC) is seeking a traveling culinary leader who works across its restaurants wherever guidance or reinforcement is needed. The Bench Chef provides consistency, creativity, and calm in the kitchen by leading teams through transitions, improving systems, and reinforcing SRC’s commitment to exceptional food and hospitality. The role ensures that food served at each location reflects the brand’s standards.

The Bench Chef oversees culinary execution, develops and supports teams, manages costs, and helps improve kitchen operations across multiple properties. The position requires frequent travel and may involve remaining on assignment for extended periods. SRC describes its mission as impacting lives through hospitality and its vision as being a restaurant company with a soul.

Requirements

• Two years of progressive Executive Chef experience and culinary leadership experience in full-service or high-volume restaurant kitchens.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and production management.
• Ability to train, coach, and motivate diverse teams.
• Financial acumen, including cost control, forecasting, and labor management.
• Flexibility to travel frequently and remain on assignment for extended periods.
• Passion for food, mentorship, and operational excellence.
• Advanced knowledge of food-profession principles and practices, including experiential knowledge for managing people, complex problems, and food and beverage operations.
• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with employees and hear machinery for safety.
• Excellent vision for safety and moderate speech communication skills for communicating with employees.
• Comprehension and literacy sufficient to read, write, and analyze information for budgeting.
• Ability to lift objects weighing 30–35 pounds three to five times during a shift.
• Ability to carry items ranging from a clipboard to food products and small equipment.
• Ability to kneel during cleanliness inspections and when lifting.
• Full mobility to inspect and monitor the kitchen environment.
• Ability to stand continuously while expediting, cooking, or inspecting, for periods ranging from 15 minutes to one hour and for at least 50% of the day.
• Ability to travel for multiple days and weeks at a time.

Responsibilities

• Travel to multiple SRC properties as assigned, serving as an operational and cultural anchor in the kitchen.
• Oversee daily culinary execution, including production, preparation, and presentation, to ensure consistency across locations.
• Maintain kitchen safety, sanitation, organization, and cleanliness standards.
• Mentor and coach culinary teams and support the development of future chefs and leaders.
• Support onboarding and train new culinary hires in techniques, systems, and SRC values.
• Lead with integrity and empathy, building trust through example, transparency, and accountability.
• Manage labor and food costs within budget while maintaining food quality and guest experience.
• Implement and refine culinary systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
• Support menu development, rollout, and innovation in partnership with the Director of Culinary Operations and property chefs.
• Identify operational gaps, implement solutions, and stabilize performance during transitions.
• Uphold SRC culinary and sanitation standards across kitchens.
• Model HACCP practices, allergen awareness, and food safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety regulations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Eligibility to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discounts on hotels, restaurants, and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed