Head Chef

Upper Crust Food Service • Champaign, IL

3d

About The Position

Head Chefs run the kitchen for one of Upper Crust Food Service’s chapter houses. The role plans and executes fresh, from-scratch weekly menus in coordination with the chapter, and leads the kitchen team while maintaining a clean, sanitary, code-compliant kitchen. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines running a kitchen line with training and overseeing staff. The Head Chef is responsible for ensuring meals meet the house’s standards and for communicating regularly with management and the chapter.

Requirements

• At least 3 years in professional, high-volume food production or catering, or equivalent experience.
• Manager-level sanitation certification, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Proficiency across cooking methods, cuisines, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to remain steady under pressure and clear-headed in a crisis.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, and to walk, bend, and stoop.
• Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fresh, from-scratch weekly menus, including regular menu meetings with the chapter.
• Prepare high-quality meals with excellent presentation and flavor, and send photos of plated meals to management.
• Keep the kitchen and dining room clean and sanitary, including tables, grills, fryers, ovens, refrigeration, and floors.
• Train and oversee kitchen staff, manage schedules, and assess performance with management's approval.
• Order supplies within budget and keep inventory stocked.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation standards in accordance with state and local regulations.
• Plan and execute special events as directed by management.
• Communicate regularly with management and the chapter by phone, email, and text.
• Hold the team accountable to every UCFS policy.

What This Job Offers

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