What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Chef position at J Recruiting Services?
Head Chef
Confidential Grocery Retail Concept | Madison, WI
About the Opportunity
We are partnering with a privately owned, independent grocery concept preparing for a new store opening in Madison, WI. This concept is focused on delivering a high-quality, full-service retail experience with a strong emphasis on prepared foods and catering.
This is a build-from-scratch environment designed for leaders who want ownership, autonomy, and the ability to shape a program from the ground up.
The Role
The Head Chef will lead all culinary programming within the store, including prepared foods, hot bar, grab-and-go, and catering.
This is a hands-on leadership role that combines creativity and operational execution. The Head Chef will play a critical role in shaping the food identity of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening
- Develop menus, recipes, and pricing structures across all prepared food categories
- Build and define the catering program (key revenue driver)
- Establish production workflows, kitchen standards, and sourcing strategy
- Collaborate with leadership on concept development and product mix
Post-Opening
- Lead daily kitchen operations as an active, hands-on chef
- Manage food quality, consistency, and execution
- Oversee culinary team hiring, training, and development
- Drive catering growth, including menu design and operational execution
- Utilize product creatively (including excess inventory) to maximize margin and reduce waste
What Success Looks Like
- A high-quality, consistent food program that drives repeat business
- A strong catering operation that contributes meaningfully to revenue
- Efficient kitchen operations with strong cost control
- A team that executes at a high level with pride in the product
Experience
- Background in restaurant or culinary leadership (line experience strongly preferred)
- Experience in menu development and kitchen operations
- Exposure to catering or large-scale food production preferred
What Matters Most
- Passion for quality, approachable food (not overly “boutique” or ego-driven)
- Hands-on leadership — willing to be in the kitchen daily
- Strong understanding of food cost, portioning, and operational execution
- Interest in transitioning away from late-night restaurant environments
Compensation
- Competitive Base salary with performance-based bonus
- Additional incentives tied to store and department performance
- 401k with company match
- Paid vacation and time off
- Health insurance coverage options
Why This Role
- Build a culinary program from scratch within a unique retail concept
- Opportunity to shape the identity of the food offering
- Daytime-focused environment vs. traditional restaurant hours
- Blend of creativity and business ownership