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Head Chef / Operations Lead: Premium Startup Growth & Daytime Hours

Location: El Segundo, CA (South Bay)

Schedule: 32–36 base hours/week + Weekly catering gig opportunities | Daytime Only | Transitioning to a strict 4-Day Week

Compensation: $30–$35/hour base + Gig-Based Catering Bonuses (Targeting $90K+ total compensation)

Tired of the 55+ hour, 2:00 AM restaurant grind? Welcome to a premium food startup that is redefining prepared dining. We are not your typical "box drop" meal service. We provide better-than-restaurant-quality food—think Gjelina or Hatchet Hall quality—delivered to a dedicated, high-retention clientele.

We are looking for a professionally mature Head Chef / Operations Manager to step in as our Lead Operator. This isn’t a "clipboard job." You will partner directly with our Founder to own the kitchen, command the team, and lead our operations. Delivery and logistics are handled entirely separately, allowing you to focus strictly on culinary operations.

Why this is the best move for your career:

• Ground Floor Opportunity & Path to Partnership: This is a pivotal hire. As the business scales, your role, hours, and compensation will evolve directly with our success. For the right leader who takes ownership of operations and helps drive our expansion, there is a clear, long-term path to partnership. We are already booking 150-person corporate gigs for the fall, providing immediate opportunities for added bonus income.
• Unmatched Work-Life Balance: We offer "chill hours" that consistently clock in under 40 hours a week. Because we respect your time, compensation is strictly hourly plus bonuses. You are completely free to take on outside evening work or independent gigs to supplement your income, provided our production schedule is prioritized.
• Elite Quality & Clean Eating: You will work with a globally inspired menu focusing on clean eating and premium ingredients—grass-fed/finished beef, Lumina Farms lamb, and fresh Farmers Market hauls. No repetitive "harvest bowls."
• Culture Over Corporate: The kitchen vibe is relaxed, fun, and high-energy. We value leaders who are physically agile, lead by example, and thrive in a premium startup environment.

The Schedule Breakdown (33–36 base hours total):

• Tuesday: 3–4 hours (Orders, Admin, Inventory)
• Wednesday: 8 hours (Receiving & Prep)
• Thursday: 8–9 hours (Prep & Cook)
• Friday: 8–9 hours (Prep & Cook)
• Saturday: 6 hours (Packing)
• Additional Catering Gigs: There are weekly opportunities to take on additional catering gigs directly through The Gourmet Animal to supplement your base schedule and earn event bonuses.
• Future Target: We are actively working to nix Saturday and move those packing hours to Tuesday, giving you a strict 4-day production week (Tuesday–Friday) with your weekends completely free.

What we are looking for:

• Experience: Proven Sous or Executive Sous Chef experience in high-quality, high-volume environments (Fine Dining, Luxury Hotels, or Elite Catering).
• Mindset: An "Operator First" mentality with zero ego. You should be a smart leader who aligns with a clean, healthy cooking culture and is comfortable managing personnel collaboratively with the Founder.
• Technical Chops: Proficiency in modern and classic techniques. Experience with batch cooking, plating cold items for seals, and high-volume precision is a huge plus.
• Physicality: You are someone who stays active and leads from the front; the physical demands of a fast-moving kitchen are where you thrive.

The Perks:

• Competitive Hourly Base: $30–$35/hour for your dedicated kitchen and admin time.
• Catering Bonuses: Lucrative gig-based bonuses for high-end corporate and private catering events, designed to bring total compensation closer to the $90K+ mark.
• Path to Partnership: A rare and genuine opportunity for increased responsibility, leadership pathing, and a direct transition into business partnership as the brand expands.

Ready to lead a kitchen that values your craft AND your time? Submit your résumé here or email andrew@haakerecruiting.com