What does a Head Chef do?
Published 4 min read
A head chef is the leader of a kitchen's staff, responsible for its overall operation and performance. They direct kitchen staff in food preparation and supervise the cooking of meals. Head chefs also develop menus, order supplies, and manage food and labor costs.
Head Chef job duties include:
- Planning and directing food preparation and culinary activities
- Modifying menus or create new ones that meet quality standards
- Estimating food requirements and food/labor costs
- Supervising kitchen staff’s work to ensure timely preparation of meals
- Ensuring proper receiving, storage and rotation of food products
- Requisitioning supplies, equipment and utensils needed for meal preparation
- Inspecting supplies, equipment, and work areas for cleanliness and functionality
- Investigating complaints about meals and taking corrective action
- Maintaining sanitation, health, and safety standards in the kitchen
Head Chef Job Requirements
A head chef is responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen and must have a thorough knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, and safety procedures. They typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require postsecondary education, such as a culinary arts degree. In addition, most head chefs have several years of experience working in a professional kitchen as a line cook or sous chef. Some head chefs may also be certified through organizations such as the American Culinary Federation.
Head Chef Skills
- Culinary arts
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Kitchen management
- Food safety
- Food cost control
- Staff training
- Inventory management
- Marketing and promotions
- Customer service
- Event planning
Related: Top Head Chef Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Head Chef
The path to becoming a head chef is not an easy one. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the craft. But if you have what it takes to be a head chef, the rewards are great. Here are a few tips on how to become a head chef:
1. Start at the bottom and work your way up. There is no shortcut to becoming a head chef. You will need to start at the bottom and work your way up through the ranks. This means starting as a dishwasher or prep cook and working your way up to line cook, sous chef, and finally head chef.
2. Get formal training. While you can learn a lot about cooking on the job, it is also important to get formal training from a culinary school. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful head chef.
3. Be passionate about food. To be a successful head chef, you need to have a true passion for food. This means being excited about trying new recipes, experimenting with different ingredients, and always striving to create the perfect dish.
4. Have strong leadership skills. As a head chef, you will be responsible for leading a team of cooks and kitchen staff. This means having strong leadership skills and being able to motivate your team to produce their best work.
5. Be organized and efficient. In the kitchen, things can get chaotic quickly. As a head chef, you need to be able to keep things organized and running smoothly. This means having a clear vision for each dish and being able to execute it efficiently.
If you have what it takes to be a head chef, follow these tips and you will be on your way to success in this exciting career!
Related: Head Chef Resume Example
Related: Head Chef Interview Questions (With Example Answers)