working chef de cuisine

Location: OU LA Restaurant & Bar
29 Washington Avenue, Carteret, NJ

OU LA Restaurant & Bar is an upscale Caribbean restaurant inspired by the rich flavors and culture of Haiti. We are committed to delivering exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a memorable dining experience. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Working Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen while remaining hands-on during service.

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations while actively working alongside the culinary team. This is a leadership role for someone who enjoys cooking, mentoring staff, maintaining high standards, and ensuring consistency in every dish.

• Lead all daily kitchen operations.

• Cook on the line during lunch and dinner service.

• Ensure every dish meets OU LA's quality and presentation standards.

• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff.

• Create prep lists and oversee daily production.

• Monitor food quality, consistency, and portion control.

• Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships.

• Control food and labor costs.

• Reduce waste through proper inventory management.

• Maintain health department and food safety standards.

• Ensure a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen.

• Work with ownership on seasonal menu updates and specials.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

• 7 years of professional culinary experience

• 3 years in a leadership role (Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Chef)

• Experience in upscale casual, fine dining, hotel, or chef-driven restaurants.

• Strong knowledge of food costing and inventory management.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• ServSafe Certification (preferred).

• Caribbean cuisine experience is a plus, but not required.

The ideal candidate is:

• A hands-on leader who enjoys working the line.

• Passionate about quality and consistency.

• A mentor who develops and motivates the team.

• Organized, dependable, and accountable.

• Calm under pressure and solutions-oriented.

• Committed to creating an exceptional guest experience.

• Salary: $65,000–$80,000 annually (based on experience)

• Paid vacation

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Employee dining discounts

• Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Please submit:

• Current résumé

• Three professional references

• Photos of dishes you have prepared (preferred)

• A brief introduction describing your culinary background and leadership experience

This is more than a chef position—it's an opportunity to help shape one of New Jersey's premier Caribbean dining destinations. If you're passionate about leadership, consistency, and creating unforgettable dining experiences, we'd love to meet you.

Salary : $65,000 - $80,000