Head Executive Chef

Feeding Tampa Bay is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to combating hunger across ten counties in West Central Florida. As a leader in hunger relief, Feeding Tampa Bay served 85 million meals last year alone through direct service and a robust network of over 400 food pantry partners. The organization is deeply committed to not only feeding individuals facing food insecurity but also addressing the root causes of hunger by creating sustainable pathways to stability. As a proud member of the Feeding America Network, Feeding Tampa Bay actively works to dismantle barriers faced by individuals, families, and seniors, aiming to foster a community where everyone has access to nutritious food and the resources necessary for long-term well-being. The organization cultivates a collaborative and inclusive culture that celebrates collective impact and individual contributions, driven by their Grow Code principles which emphasize honoring all, conquering together, creative problem-solving, honesty, and a steadfast dedication to their mission.

The Head Executive Chef at Feeding Tampa Bay is a pivotal leadership role within the Operations Department located at the Causeway Center. This exempt, on-site position offers a competitive salary range between $75,700 and $80,410, working core hours that include weekdays, weekends, and holidays, with flexibility to adapt based on business needs. Reporting directly to the Director of Food Services, the Head Executive Chef is responsible for comprehensive strategic culinary management and overseeing all kitchen operations across a variety of food programs. These programs include daily community meals, Child Hunger initiatives, Medically Tailored Meals (MTM), high-end catering services, and disaster feeding efforts.

The ideal candidate for this role is an accomplished culinary expert who combines elite cooking skills with deep knowledge of nutritional science. Emphasis is placed on crafting delicious, balanced, and nutrient-rich meals tailored to specific wellness and medical requirements. This role demands expertise in large-scale food production, focusing on volume, efficiency, and maintaining batch consistency through the use of standardized recipes. The Head Executive Chef also plays a key role in managing, mentoring, and inspiring a diverse kitchen team comprising executive chefs, catering staff, and back-of-house café operations.

Key responsibilities include fostering a positive and collaborative workplace culture, recruiting and developing kitchen staff, and managing labor costs and performance evaluations. Culinary education is an integral part of the role, with a focus on teaching the team about nutrition and healthy cooking techniques, thereby supporting the philosophy of "food as medicine." The Head Executive Chef will design, price, and update seasonal menus that align with guest expectations, cost targets, and current culinary trends while emphasizing nutrient-dense dishes tailored to health goals and dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, low-sodium, or diabetic-friendly options.

This position requires a creative and resourceful approach to maximize the use of donated food, ensuring it is transformed into high-quality and delicious meals for Feeding Tampa Bay's neighbors. Collaboration with registered dietitians is essential to align meal preparation with health objectives, including macronutrient and caloric tracking. The role also demands mastery of industrial kitchen equipment such as tilt skillets, kettles, blast chillers, and combi ovens, alongside a focus on standardizing recipes and presentation standards to ensure consistency across all service areas.

Maintaining rigorous food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards is critical, including conducting sensory evaluations, enforcing HACCP and ServSafe protocols, and managing inventory with a First-In, First-Out approach to minimize waste. The Head Executive Chef ensures the kitchen remains audit-ready, passing all health and safety inspections with a spotless and well-maintained workspace.

Overall, this role requires a dynamic, mission-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a passion for community impact. The Head Executive Chef will be a key contributor to Feeding Tampa Bay's united effort to transform the community by providing nutritious meals that support health, well-being, and long-term stability for vulnerable populations.