Benefits:

401(k) matching

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Free food & snacks

Lead the Kitchen Behind Seattle’s Premier Organic Meal Delivery Program

Down To Earth Cuisine is seeking a highly organized and culinary-driven Head Chef to lead our growing organic meal delivery kitchen.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who thrives in a structured, high-performance environment and enjoys building systems that deliver consistent, high-quality food at scale.

Our company focuses on organic ingredients, wild-caught seafood, responsible sourcing, and sustainable packaging, and we are looking for a chef who takes pride in producing exceptional meals with purpose.

If you enjoy leading a team, designing efficient kitchen systems, and executing high-quality food consistently, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape a rapidly growing program.

Position Overview

The Head Chef oversees all aspects of high-volume meal production, including:

• Menu development • Food costing • Batch cooking • Kitchen leadership • Packaging and delivery coordination

You will lead the kitchen team, maintain operational systems, and ensure every meal reflects Down To Earth Cuisine’s standards for flavor, consistency, and quality.

This role is best suited for chefs who are organized operators as much as creative cooks.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership

Lead daily kitchen operations from prep through packaging and fulfillment.

Train and mentor kitchen staff in production efficiency, food safety, and best practices.

Maintain a positive, professional, and solutions-focused kitchen culture.

Menu Development & Cost Control

Develop and cost weekly menus at least four weeks in advance.

Design recipes that balance:

• flavor • nutrition • food cost targets • operational efficiency

Monitor ingredient usage and reduce waste through smart production planning.

Production & Workflow Management

Oversee high-volume batch cooking while maintaining strict quality standards.

Ensure consistent portioning, labeling, packaging, and order accuracy.

Assist with Sunday meal delivery coordination to ensure smooth fulfillment.

Systems & Operations

Maintain and improve kitchen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Monitor operational metrics including:

• labor efficiency • food costs • waste reduction • production output

Manage vendor relationships, ordering, and inventory control.

Collaboration & Growth

Partner with leadership on:

• new recipe development • seasonal menu launches • marketing initiatives • operational improvements

Occasionally support private dinners or catering events.

Required Skills & Experience

We are seeking a chef who combines strong culinary fundamentals with operational discipline.

Qualified candidates will have:

• 5–7 years professional kitchen experience • At least 2 years in a kitchen leadership role • Experience in high-volume batch cooking or meal prep operations • Strong understanding of food costing and portion control • Proven ability to lead and motivate a team • Excellent organizational and time management skills

Bonus experience includes:

• Meal delivery programs • Nutrition-focused menus • Inventory and costing software (Parsley or similar)

Education & Certifications

Preferred but not required:

• Culinary degree or formal culinary training • ServSafe or equivalent Food Safety Certification

Certification must be obtained before start date if not already held.

Tools & Systems Used

• Commercial kitchen equipment • Inventory & recipe costing software (Parsley) • Google Workspace • Internal communication tools

Compensation & Benefits

Pay: $32–$34/hour (DOE) Schedule: Full-time (32+ hours/week) Primary production days: Friday–Tuesday

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Sick Leave (PSL) • Mileage reimbursement on delivery days

About Down To Earth Cuisine

Down To Earth Cuisine combines exceptional culinary craftsmanship with a commitment to health, sustainability, and community.

Our organic meal delivery program helps clients enjoy chef-prepared meals made with responsibly sourced ingredients, delivered directly to their homes.

We believe food should be delicious, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared.

Down To Earth Cuisine is an equal opportunity employer.