Culinary Flight Team Leader

bartaco•Arlington, VA

1d•$75,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Culinary Flight Team Leader At bartaco, food is our passion - but people are our purpose. We invest in our team because our people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re growing into leadership, hospitality, or culinary, bartaco is the place to learn, succeed, and thrive. Founded in 2010 and inspired by a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, bartaco combines fresh, upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. With more than 30 locations across the country, bartaco remains committed to delivering good vibes, inspiration, and joy to one guest, one employee, and one community at a time. We’re guest-obsessed and culture-driven. We’re guest-obsessed and culture-driven, working together to create unforgettable guest experiences. We’re all about fresh flavors, coastal vibes, and good energy. We’re looking for culinary leaders who live and breathe hospitality, love developing people, and have a serious passion for precision & fun. Our culture is built on what we call our bartaco touchstones - the things that make us who we are: Pride – You bring your best self to every shift and take pride in the magic we create together. Good People – You value teamwork, lead with kindness, and build trust with everyone around you. Positively Intolerant – You hold yourself and your team to high standards—because “good enough” isn’t in your vocabulary. Introspective – You’re always learning, growing, and leveling up. Transparent – You communicate openly, honestly, and with heart. We Have Fun + Make People Happy – You bring the energy and positivity that make bartaco a place people want to be. We are seeking a Culinary Flight Team Leader who leads with heart, inspires teams, and brings out the very best in every guest experience - through both hospitality and food. This role is ideal for a proven operator and culture-builder who thrives in dynamic environments - someone who can step into a variety of restaurant settings, quickly assess back of house, and elevate standards with clarity and intention. Like navigating different markets, you instinctively understand what each space needs - whether it’s refining execution, strengthening teams, or elevating the overall experience. You will move fluidly across restaurants, bringing stability to both service and kitchen operations - ensuring every dish is executed with consistency, every standard is upheld, and every guest feels genuinely welcomed. With the awareness of someone who understands the flow of a kitchen and the energy of a dining room, you’ll adapt to each restaurant’s unique rhythm while maintaining a high bar for quality, precision, and hospitality. As a trusted partner and leader, you will lead by example - guiding teams through change, reinforcing standards, and fostering a culture rooted in accountability, respect, and pride in the craft. Your impact will be measured not only in performance, but in the quality of every plate, the consistency of every service, and how both guests and teams feel each day.

Requirements

A love to travel + spend time in different cities
5+ years of sous chef experience, executive chef experience, training, culinary leadership, or multi-unit experience in high-volume restaurants
Ability to travel extensively (90%+)
A track record of improving performance while elevating both food quality and guest experience
Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to quickly build trust with diverse teams
Solid business acumen, with experience improving sales, retention, and guest satisfaction
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, ever-changing environments

Nice To Haves

You lead with hospitality and respect for the craft, creating experiences guests remember and teams are proud of
You understand that great restaurants are built in both the kitchen and the dining room
You inspire through presence, empathy, and consistency
You balance results with care, driving performance while developing people
You leave every place better: stronger teams, sharper execution, and a lasting culture of excellence

Responsibilities

Hospitality & Culinary Leadership
Lead with authenticity, care, and high standards - across both service and kitchen execution
Set the tone quickly by fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and pride in every detail
Model behaviors that connect great food with great hospitality
Guest Experience & Food Quality
Champion standards that ensure every plate is fresh, consistent, and executed with precision
Uphold excellence in food quality, cleanliness, and overall restaurant experience
Identify opportunities to elevate both the guest journey and the culinary offering
Team Engagement & Culture
Build a positive, inclusive culture rooted in respect, recognition, and clear communication
Coach and support leaders and team members across the back of house
Strengthen trust and engagement through presence, feedback, and empathy
Operational Strength & Consistency
Quickly assess restaurant and kitchen operations, implementing improvements that enhance efficiency and execution
Ensure teams have the tools, training, and clarity needed to succeed
Drive consistency in prep, execution, and service standards across all locations
Transitions & Support
Step into leadership roles as needed to stabilize teams and maintain operational flow
Support openings, transitions, and key moments with a steady, hands-on approach
Partner with regional and support teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution once a new hire takes over the kitchen
Talent Growth & Development
Identify and develop future leaders across both hospitality and culinary roles
Mentor teams to build confidence, capability, and long-term growth
Build strong, sustainable teams that continue delivering great experiences beyond your time onsite