Kitchen Head Chef (Full Time, Flexible Shifts)

Who we are at Adams

At Adams, we prioritize creating a warm and welcoming environment for both our customers and team members. We believe exceptional customer service goes beyond meeting needs—it’s about treating everyone with genuine respect, kindness, and appreciation. Each team member is expected to greet customers personally, serve them with friendly, polite, and knowledgeable assistance, and always put customer needs above other tasks. Additionally, we value a workplace where employees treat each other with the same courtesy and respect as our customers, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere that reflects our commitment to service excellence.

What we’re looking for

The expected leadership qualities for Adams Head Chefs involve coaching a team to provide friendly service to our valuable customers, ensuring that each experience reflects Adams’ commitment to providing quality products that define our brand. For the Head Chef, this means leading the Adams’ Kitchen Service Line in delivering high-quality, innovative prepared foods that meet customer preferences, while ensuring operational efficiency, strict adherence to food safety standards, and exceptional food presentation.

Your Day-to-Day 

• Supervise and delegate responsibilities to the Adams’ Kitchen Prep Chefs (Cooks), providing clear direction and assign tasks based on skill level and kitchen priorities
• Organize and oversee daily kitchen operations, including opening and closing procedures
• Manage the setup and breakdown of the kitchen, ensuring all equipment, supplies, and stations are ready for daily operations.
• Enforce strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols, making sure all workspaces, equipment, and customer-facing areas are clean, organized, and complaint with health regulations
• Ensure all food meets quality standards and is served at safe temperatures in compliance with food safety regulations
• Plan and develop recipes, menus, and specialty platters for events and large-scale production
• Monitor inventory levels, place orders, and verify accuracy of deliveries. Implement proper storage practices, including labeling, dating and rotating products to prevent waste and ensure freshness
• Conduct hands-on training sessions with Prep Chefs to enhance skills in culinary techniques and food safety. Provide continuous supervision to maintain consistency in food quality and presentation
• Efficiently fulfill customer orders, including catering services, special event requests, and made-to-order meals ensuring accuracy, quality, and exceptional customer satisfaction
• Act as the final quality control checkpoint for food presentation and packaging ensuring they meet established quality, consistency, and presentation standards before they are served or sold
• If assigned, sit in on job interviews and/or disciplinary conversations for Prep Chefs
• Contribute and assist with all responsibilities of Prep Chefs

What you bring to the Farm

• Strong leadership skills to effectively lead and inspire a team of Prep Chefs
• Hold an active ServSafe or HACCP certification, demonstrating expertise in food safety and sanitation practices
• At least 18 years of age or older
• Minimum of 3 years of experience cooking in a professional kitchen, showcasing expertise in food preparation, culinary techniques, and kitchen operations
• Manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a team of co-workers and managers across departments
• Foster teamwork and a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
• Ability to adapt to fluctuating business volumes ensuring consistent quality during peak and off-peak periods 
• Ensure precision and consistency in recipes, presentation, and quality standards
• Maintain a calm and professional demeanor in high-pressure situations, effectively managing stress while focusing on tasks and ensuring a positive and productive work environment
• Address and resolve team conflicts fairly and professionally by fostering open communication, listening to all perspectives, and collaborating on solutions that strengthen team cohesion
• Ability to demonstrate and set the example of Adams’ culture and values
• Ability to operate and train others on Adams’ point of sale systems
• Exhibit enthusiasm, positivity and/or knowledge about Adams’ products and quality

Working Conditions

• Ability to work varied hours/days to oversee department operations
• Ability to communicate and exchange information so others will understand
• Ability to observe kitchen operations
• Consistently move, adjust, and position items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods combined with frequent movement in a fast-paced environment
• Occasionally ascend/descend a stepstool, stepladder, and/or ladder
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers for duration of shift
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces as well as crowded areas
• Exposure to high-temperature kitchen environments and potentially slippery floors
• Effectively convey instructions in a fast-paced, high-noise kitchen environment

Perks of the Job

At Adams, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellent work with competitive compensation and meaningful benefits. In addition to quality compensation, at Adams you can expect generous medical, dental and vision coverage (for applicable roles), voluntary benefits like Pet Insurance, paid time off and holiday pay, flexible pay schedules with DailyPay, and best of all, our generous Employee Discount.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions – including skill sets, experience, training, certifications and other business needs. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: $22.00 - $35.20. At Adams, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each situation. We’re committed to providing a supportive and rewarding environment that helps our team members thrive—both professionally and personally.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general responsibilities of this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. It is understood that these responsibilities are subject to the needs of the business and therefore Adams retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.