Head Chef

Job Title: Chef de Cuisine

Location: Cooperstown, NY

Salary: $80,000 $85,000 (Based on experience)

Type: Full-Time

Housing Benefit: Up to 2 months rent-free employee housing available while relocating

Overview

The Chef de Cuisine serves as the senior kitchen leader in the absence of the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef and is responsible for the overall culinary execution, staffing coordination, food quality, and cost control across banquets and the steakhouse.

This is a hands-on managerial role, balancing production leadership, inventory and cost management, sanitation compliance, and team development in a high-volume, multi-outlet environment.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Production

• Lead daily culinary operations across banquets and the steakhouse
• Ensure all food is prepared to specification and buffets are set on time
• Demonstrate strong culinary execution while controlling food costs
• Multi-task between butchering, staff dining, and banquet production
• Supervise quality, consistency, and portion standards across all outlets

Inventory, Cost & Yield Control

• Analyze and perform monthly inventory counts
• Manage portion control, waste reduction, and sanitation compliance
• Conduct monthly yield tests on center-of-the-plate primal cuts and maintain updates in Chef Tech
• Monitor receipt of supplies and ensure proper storage
• Establish and maintain standardized recipes and guidelines for staff dining

Menu Development & Standards

• Review and update recipes regularly
• Create weekly specialty and seasonal menu items
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu planning and execution
• Maintain grooming standards, conduct policies, and NY Health Department compliance

Leadership & Staff Management

• Act as kitchen manager in absence of Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef
• Build team morale through training, mentorship, and positive leadership
• Enforce scheduling discipline; control labor hours and minimize overtime
• Ensure staff work only scheduled hours unless approved

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in all work areas
• Enforce safe food handling, preparation, and cooking procedures
• Develop and execute end-of-day kitchen closing procedures
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and certifications
• Maintain professional cleanliness and grooming standards

Communication & Coordination

• Attend morning BEO meetings and execute event instructions accordingly
• Communicate clearly with all Food & Beverage outlets
• Coordinate banquet execution timelines and production priorities

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• Prior Chef de Cuisine or senior culinary leadership experience required
• Strong background in high-volume banquet and restaurant operations
• Proven experience with inventory management, yield testing, and food cost control
• Ability to lead teams under pressure while maintaining quality standards
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills

Availability

• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays (required)

Benefits & Perks

Core Benefits

• Free health and vision insurance (employee)
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• FSA
• Profit-sharing pension plan (10% of annual income, vested after 3 years)
• Free term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Teledoc coverage ($10/month – family included)

Time Off & Lifestyle

• 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
• Vacation:
• 80 hours (Years 1–4)
• 120 hours (Years 5–9)
• 160 hours (Year 10 )
• 56 hours sick time annually
• Free hot meals while working
• Free gym membership
• Retail, restaurant, spa, and golf discounts
• Friends & family room discounts

Educational Support Program

After one year of full-time employment:

Student Loan Repayment

• $500 per quarter after Year 1
• $750 per quarter after Year 2

Education Sponsorship

• 50% reimbursement for approved industry-related education
• Up to $5,000 per calendar year
• One-year post-completion employment commitment required

Interested Candidates – Apply Today

Please submit:

• Resume
• Salary expectations
• Availability and at least one professional reference