Head Chef Jobs in Michigan

Job Overview

ROAM is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen, develop our team, and deliver food we’re proud to serve. You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, menu and recipe development, food quality, staffing, and cost control while working alongside your team through prep and service.

This is currently our sole kitchen management position, supported by hourly supervisors who report directly to you. You’ll need to be comfortable taking ownership, delegating clearly, and developing supervisors who can confidently lead shifts. As we expand our operating hours, our staffing and management structure may evolve.

Our culture starts with a simple expectation: Be Clean, Be Friendly, Have Fun. We take our work seriously while creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and proud of what they do. We believe a great staff experience helps create a great guest experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example. Work alongside the kitchen team, model professionalism, and maintain a positive, organized environment during busy service.
• Develop your team. Train and coach kitchen staff and hourly supervisors, communicate expectations clearly, and address performance concerns promptly and respectfully.
• Put safety and sanitation first. Maintain a clean, safe kitchen through consistent food handling, storage, cleaning, equipment care, and personal hygiene practices.
• Deliver consistent food quality. Oversee preparation, cooking, plating, portioning, and timing while maintaining established recipes and standards.
• Create and improve. Collaborate with ownership on menu planning and recipe development, using dedicated research and development funding to test ideas.
• Manage resources responsibly. Oversee ordering, inventory, waste reduction, and food and labor costs. Look for better ways to use the team’s time, ingredients, and equipment.
• Own kitchen scheduling and coverage. Plan staffing around business needs and help develop workflows as operating hours expand.
• Build strong communication. Encourage staff ideas and concerns, welcome feedback, and work closely with front-of-house leadership.
• Take responsibility for the guest experience. Address food and service concerns constructively, resolve problems, and use mistakes as opportunities to improve.
• Uphold our culture. Promote teamwork, accountability, mutual respect, and pride in the kitchen.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or comparable kitchen leader.
• Strong cooking skills and experience managing prep and service in a busy restaurant.
• Ability to independently manage daily kitchen operations while delegating effectively to hourly supervisors.
• Experience with scheduling, ordering, inventory, and cost control.
• A consistent approach to training, coaching, and holding people accountable.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Clear communication, dependable attendance, and follow-through.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to improve established processes.
• A leadership style that treats coworkers with dignity and keeps teamwork strong under pressure.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of $55,000–$65,000, based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation pay
• Flex pay
• Dedicated research and development funding
• Uniform stipend

Apply

Submit your résumé and a brief introduction describing your kitchen leadership experience and what interests you about leading the kitchen at ROAM.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• ROAM is a smoke-free workplace, and smoking or vaping breaks are not permitted during shifts. Are you willing and able to follow this policy?

Experience:

• Kitchen management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• ServSafe Food Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person