Head Cook

Head Cook

Position Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $16-$18.00 per hour (based on experience and performance)

Reports To: Ownership/General Manager

Location: The Hatch Blacksburg

Position Overview

The Head Cook is the senior kitchen leader on shift and is responsible for daily execution, food quality, training, ordering, cleanliness, and line leadership. While ownership oversees higher-level management responsibilities, the Head Cook plays a critical role in maintaining kitchen standards, developing staff, and ensuring consistent execution. This position carries increased responsibility, leadership expectations, and accountability compared to a standard line cook and is compensated accordingly.

Core Responsibilities Food Quality & Execution

Execute all menu items according to approved recipes, portions, and presentation standards. Ensure consistent seasoning, cook times, and plating. Prevent overcooking, undercooking, or selling sub-par food. Verify all food leaving the kitchen meets quality standards and correct issues immediately.

Ordering & Product Control

Handle food and supply ordering as assigned by ownership. Maintain proper par levels, communicate shortages promptly, store and rotate product using FIFO, and reduce waste through proper ordering, storage, and portion control.

Training & Development

Take primary responsibility for training new BOH employees. Ensure new hires are trained correctly, efficiently, and consistently. Train on recipes, portion standards, station setup, speed, cleanliness, food safety, and sanitation. Correct improper techniques immediately and report training concerns to ownership. Line

Leadership & Shift Execution

Lead kitchen execution during service, direct line flow and ticket pacing, support all stations as needed, and maintain professional communication during high-volume periods.

BOH Standards & Cleanliness

Enforce clean-as-you-go practices, ensure stations are stocked, organized, and sanitized, lead deep cleaning during slow periods, and ensure proper labeling, dating, and storage of food.

Food Safety & Compliance

Follow and enforce food safety guidelines including holding temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, and hygiene standards. Report safety hazards or equipment issues immediately.

Accountability & Ownership Mindset

Take responsibility for kitchen performance during assigned shifts. Maintain professionalism, stay productive during slow periods, communicate issues proactively, and support company standards and culture

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $ $18.00 per hour

Work Location: In person