Head Chef

About the Role

As a Head Chef with Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, you'll help bring cultures to life through food. Working alongside the Culinary Arts team and Village leadership, you'll lead the preparation of high-quality, culturally authentic meals while coordinating kitchen operations, developing menus, and guiding culinary staff.

This year-round, full-time position offers an opportunity to combine hands-on cooking with culinary leadership in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where food is an essential part of the language and cultural learning experience.

What You'll Do

Lead and participate in the preparation, cooking, and service of culturally authentic meals for Village programs, special events, and other assigned activities. Research, develop, and maintain menus and recipes in collaboration with Village leadership and language communities, ensuring that culinary experiences support cultural immersion and educational goals.

Direct daily food production, coordinating preparation schedules, kitchen workflows, and meal service to maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and timeliness. Supervise, coach, and provide work direction to Lead Cooks, Assistant Cooks, seasonal and part-time culinary staff, and volunteers.

Support staff recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, and professional development while promoting teamwork, accountability, and a positive workplace culture. Oversee food preparation for participants with dietary restrictions and allergies, ensuring adherence to food safety, sanitation, and cross-contact prevention procedures.

Manage food inventory, purchasing, storage, and ordering while monitoring costs, reducing waste, and supporting established budget goals. Maintain safe, clean, and organized kitchens, equipment, and food service spaces in compliance with Minnesota Food Code and workplace safety requirements. Maintain production, inventory, food safety, and operational records; communicate staffing, supply, and program needs with department leadership.

Identify opportunities to improve culinary operations, support sustainability initiatives, and contribute to special events and other program needs. You'll Thrive Here if You: Take pride in creating exceptional food and appreciate how culturally authentic cuisine can enrich learning and bring people together. Enjoy leading by example, developing culinary talent, and helping others grow in their skills and confidence.

Can balance hands-on cooking with planning, coordination, and the day-to-day demands of a busy kitchen. Are organized, resourceful, and comfortable making decisions and adapting to changing operational needs. Value collaboration, cultural authenticity, continuous improvement, and contributing to a meaningful educational mission.