Head Chef

HEAD CHEF

The Leonardo seeks a Head Chef to join our team and mission to fuse science, technology, and art in experiences that inspire creativity and innovation in people of all ages and backgrounds.

• Pay Rate: $45,000 to $55,000
• Schedule: Full-time, benefit-eligible; Work hours are typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with time off for breaks and a lunch period; Evening and weekend work will only occasionally be required, as job duties demand
• Reports to: Director of Sales and Hospitality

BENEFITS

• Fun company culture with passionate coworkers who embody our core values of curiosity, creativity, commitment, and connection
• Strong sense of purpose as we positively impact the lives of youth and adults across the state of Utah
• Vibrant, mission-led organization with opportunity for growth
• Free museum membership and tickets
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• If full-time: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Pet, and Life insurance; Vacation, Sick Pay, Paid Holidays, Parental Leave, Bereavement
• And more!

WHAT YOU’LL DO DAY-TO-DAY:

• Lead the creation, operation, and management of the Hospitality Catering Department (Events + Bistro), ensuring the seamless execution of food and beverage services for both internal events and catering.
• Design, develop, and execute menus for events and the Salt Bistro, with an emphasis on creativity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen  and Bistro staff, including prep cooks, dishwashers, and assistant chefs, while ensuring adherence to health and safety standards.
• Manage inventory, order raw materials, and ensure the Bistro maintains appropriate stock levels.
• Ensure compliance with the Salt Lake City Health Department regulations, and oversee the maintenance of the DABS Restaurant License.
• Oversee all food and beverage operations at the Salt Bistro, including staffing and maintaining a high-quality cafe menu, as well as managing alcohol purchasing, inventory, and sales.
• Ensure ingredients needed for the Bistro are purchased and prepped with minimal waste
• Perform additional, related duties as needed
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for managing kitchen operations and staff.
• Collaborate with the Director of Hospitality to design and price banquet menus for events.
• Oversee kitchen operations during events, ensuring timely and quality food service.
• Manage food costs and profitability, ensuring alignment with the budget and expectations set by the Director of Hospitality.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen in accordance with health department regulations.
• Work closely with the Director of Hospitality to develop and promote food programs, including educational initiatives like Leo Libations.
• Personally lead food programs, including cooking classes, tastings, and demonstrations.
• Manage event setups, staffing, and the execution of events outside of regular business hours, including satellite kitchens at event venues.
• Communicate with event clients to ensure that all food and beverage needs are met, and that banquet event orders (BEOs) are complete.
• Perform monthly inventory checks, manage orders, and maintain proper storage practices for food and beverages.
• Support the continued development of the Museum’s hospitality operations, ensuring food and profit margins are managed effectively.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED:

• Education: High School Diploma / GED; Specialized training in culinary arts and food service highly preferred
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of proven kitchen and server experience, preferably supervising a bistro, kitchen, or licensed bar; Minimum 1 year in the restaurant/hospitality or customer service industry preferred
• Competencies: Understanding of menu planning and costing; Understanding of food and health regulations and best practices; Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and members of the public; Excellent organizational skills with good attention to detail, especially in managing inventory and health, safety, and DABS compliance requirements; Good written and verbal communication skills, able to speak English fluently. (Spanish speaking a plus, but not required); Basic proficiency in computer systems and data management (e.g., Altru, Google Suite, Slack); Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, follow through on issues promptly, and work well under pressure; Self-motivated and hands-on, ability to work well independently in a kitchen environment, and also collaboratively on a team; High integrity; able to keep sensitive information confidential; Alignment with The Leonardo’s mission, vision, and values
• Physical/Other Requirements: Food Handlers Permit and Sips and Tips Certification; Division of Alcohol Beverage Control (DABC) training or willingness to complete training before starting; Must be age 21+, as may work shifts where guests consume alcohol; Heavy Work: Lift/carry/push/pull objects frequently of a negligible amount up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds, and rarely over 100 pounds. Walking, standing, and arm/leg control are required much more than sedentary work, but the position still sits some of the time.

ABOUT THE LEONARDO

The Leonardo Museum of Creativity & Innovation was created to honor and embody the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man. We see the world as he saw it: Full of wonders to be uncovered, always asking why? We sincerely believe in each person's infinite potential. We see obstacles as opportunities to play beyond limits and discover each person's unique genius.

Our vision is to create a dynamic, influential space where people feel included, inspired, and connected to one another and the world. Our purpose is to create a world without barriers to build momentum toward a better future through self-discovery, collaboration, and connection. Our museum is a place where you can freely wander and wonder. Come and discover your inner genius, just like Leonardo did. Look around. Ask the big questions. Have fun. Welcome.

The Leonardo is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive culture both for our employees and the community we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, gender/sexual orientations, abilities, and beliefs. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. If you have a disability or special need that may require accommodation, please contact hr@theleonardo.org.