Join our award-winning catering team at Goodness Gracious! We are Sonoma Counties first-ever caterer to receive the Snail of Approval. The key differentiator for the Goodness Gracious brand is the presence and beauty of culture. While many chefs and caterers can offer elegant food in Wine Country, not many are positioned to explore the authentic culture of their community by way of its people and its artisans. Goodness Gracious highlights not only this local culture, but the tastes of a greater culture—the world at large. By sharing these stories and bringing in culture as a unique differentiator, Goodness Gracious sets itself apart from its competitors.
Job Overview
As the Lead Prep, you'll lead in organizing and preparing high-quality food for events and private chef experiences. Your responsibilities include following recipes accurately, managing and ordering inventory, supervising some kitchen staff, and coordinating with the Chef to maintain high standards of food quality and safety.
Lead Prep Responsibilities and Experience
- Knowledge of classic knife cuts and proficient knife skills
- Experience in preparing a variety of dishes, including appetizers, salads, sauces, dressings, pickles/ferments and stocks
- Expertise in preparing and portioning ingredients in advance for efficient service
- Experience in batch cooking and medium-scale food production
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently under time constraints
- Knowledge of proper food storage and labeling techniques to ensure all ingredients are organized and easily accessible
- Following recipes accurately to ensure consistency in flavor and presentation across all dishes prepared.
- Maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment, including washing dishes and storing food items property to prevent contamination and spoilage
- Assists the chef with various tasks as needed
- Communicating effectively with the chef, event chefs, and dishwasher to coordinate tasks and ensure smooth operations
- Being flexible and adaptable to changing menus or last-minute requests from clients
- Working efficiently to meet deadlines and maintain the pace of during busy weeks
- Managing inventory and procurement from vendors
- Refining existing recipes to ensure high-quality and accuracy
- Supervising the dishwasher: delegating tasks, providing guidance, and fostering a positive work environment.
- Conducting regular inspections of food prep areas, storage facilities, and equipment to uphold quality standards.
- Staying updated on industry trends, new cooking techniques, and emerging ingredients.
- Seeking feedback from staff to identify areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Qualifications Include
- A degree or certificate from a culinary institute, community college, or vocational school is preferred, but relevant work experience suffices.
- Previous experience working in a professional, from-scratch kitchen, preferably a catering kitchen, is required.
- Strong attention to detail is crucial for accurately following recipes, managing inventory, and procurement.
- Some level of creativity and culinary flair for contributing ideas to menu development or adapting recipes to suit client preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Naturally detail-oriented but creatively driven
- The personality, energy, and charisma to inspire, lead and develop a committed team
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage time effectively to meet deadlines, especially during busy weeks.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential for collaborating with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
- Good physical stamina and endurance to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects, and perform repetitive tasks in a kitchen environment.
- The ability to both take and give direction, and a strong understanding of chain-of-command
- A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for food are important qualities that contribute to a successful Lead Prep/Kitchen Manager.
$23-$25/hr
30-40/hrs per week
Perks and Benefits
Excellent work-life integration with an emphasis on mental health, happiness, and overall well-being of our staff and their families
Career development and opportunity for limitless growth within the company
Paid Sick Leave
Major Holidays Off
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Shift availability:
Day Shift (Preferred)
Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Glen Ellen, CA (Required)
Work Location: In person