Head Chef

Lansing, MI, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $47,400.00 - $71,000.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet insurance

401K with company match

Paid Vacations

time off for most holidays

Job Description

Upper Crust Food Service is a renowned food service company that proudly serves sororities and fraternities across the nation. Established with a clear vision to address the issue of inconsistency and lack of professionalism in fraternity and sorority kitchens, Upper Crust Food Service has become synonymous with freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service in the hospitality industry. The company not only specializes in delivering fresh, from-scratch meals but also prioritizes maintaining high standards of kitchen professionalism and customer satisfaction. Their dedication has led to the preparation of tens of thousands of meals weekly for students nationwide, establishing Upper Crust Food Service as a trusted name in Greek life food services. With a client-focused approach, the company collaborates closely with fraternity and sorority houses to ensure each meal meets the highest standards of taste and presentation.

The role of Head Chef at Upper Crust Food Service is integral to the company's mission of delivering exceptional culinary experiences across campuses. This position is designed for a classically trained chef who is passionate about food, dedicated to excellence, and eager to make a meaningful impact every day. As a Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating, planning, and executing weekly menus that are fresh and from scratch, incorporating client feedback and management guidance to deliver outstanding meals. Beyond culinary creativity, the role requires strong leadership skills to direct the kitchen staff, uphold sanitation standards, manage food preparation, and ensure timely operation of the kitchen. Communication plays a critical role, as maintaining consistent updates with management and customers is essential. The lifestyle offered by Upper Crust Food Service for its chefs is exceptional within the hospitality sector, featuring very few late nights or weekend hours, allowing for a balanced and fulfilling career. This position is highly competitive, reflecting the company's commitment to hiring capable and motivated professionals who can contribute to their high standards of food service and customer happiness.

Job Requirements

Ability to work well as part of a team
Understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions
Deal with challenging customers in a professional manner
Show understanding and commit to a professional appearance and positive attitude
Maintain excellent record of kitchen and staff management
Exhibit accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions
Be familiar with the industry's best practices
Ability to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and stoop
Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds
Willingness to work in a loud and busy kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and cleaning chemicals

Job Qualifications

3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Culinary degree is a plus
Ability to pass a background check
Must hold a valid manager level sanitation certification or obtain one within 30 days of employment
Demonstrated leadership and staff management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in various cooking methods, cuisines, ingredients, equipment, and procedures

Job Duties

Prepare, design, and execute menus
Participate in menu meetings with chapter clients
Create high-quality meals with excellent presentation and flavor
Send photos regularly of meal presentations to management
Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes
Ensure the kitchen operates in a timely manner
Oversee and train kitchen staff, manage schedules, and assess performance with management approval
Order supplies in accordance with budgetary requirements and stock inventory
Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per state and local regulations
Maintain a professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers
Assist in planning and executing special events as directed by management
Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts
Ensure compliance with all policies among staff