Chef Operator

As a Chef Operator at DIG, you will manage the entire restaurant operation, which includes overseeing both front-of-house and back-of-house activities. You'll be responsible for PnL management, ensuring food cost efficiency, and creating an outstanding guest experience. You will also work with your team to uphold culinary standards, roll out new initiatives, and continuously improve operations based on guest feedback.

To apply for the Chef Operator position at DIG, you should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of kitchen or operational restaurant management experience. A passionate commitment to quality food, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential. Additionally, familiarity with restaurant costing and inventory software, as well as a current Department of Health and/or ServSafe certification, are preferred.

At DIG, the career development for a Chef Operator is rich with opportunities. You will be encouraged to actively engage in people development plans, collaborate on succession planning, and mentor your team. With a strong focus on professional improvement and learning, you'll have numerous chances to grow your skills and advance within the company while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

The Chef Operator plays a crucial role in realizing DIG’s culinary vision by leading a team dedicated to culinary excellence. You will be directly involved in menu evolution, maintaining high standards, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the team. Your leadership will facilitate continuous menu testing and innovation, ensuring that the dining experience consistently exceeds guest expectations.

As a Chef Operator at DIG, you can look forward to a comprehensive benefits package, including an annual salary range of $80,000 to $85,000, with opportunities for quarterly bonuses. You'll also enjoy 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a 401K program, phone reimbursement, commuter benefits, and complimentary meals every day!

When answering this question, highlight your previous roles that involved overseeing restaurant operations. Discuss your successes in managing team dynamics, financial oversight, and improving guest experiences. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic approach to challenges and your results-driven mindset.

Addressing this question, emphasize your proactive approach to guest feedback. Explain how you convert insights into actionable strategies to enhance the dining experience. Share examples of changes you’ve implemented based on feedback and the positive outcomes that followed.

In your response, share your mentoring philosophy and specific strategies you've successfully implemented to develop team members. Highlight the importance of hands-on training, clear communication, and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute creatively.

For this question, discuss your methods for maintaining organization in high-pressure environments. Talk about tools, systems, or schedules you use to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and ensure smooth operations.

Use this opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. Provide a specific example of an operational issue, how you approached it, and the outcome. Focus on the steps you took and the leadership qualities that helped you navigate the situation.

Respond by discussing your understanding of culinary trends and their relevance to DIG's mission. Offer insights into how you would incorporate these trends into menu development or operational practices while aligning with DIG's values of sustainability and quality.

When tackling this question, touch on your direct experience with budgeting, cost controls, and financial analysis. Use specific metrics or achievements to highlight your effectiveness in managing costs while driving revenue.

Emphasize your commitment to maintaining health and safety standards. Discuss any relevant training you’ve received and how you train your team to follow regulations. Provide examples of initiatives you’ve led to promote a safe and compliant kitchen environment.

In answering this question, discuss the technological tools you’ve utilized in previous roles, such as digital ordering systems or inventory management software. Highlight your ability to adapt to new technologies and how this has improved efficiency.

Discuss your approach to fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. Mention how you encourage open communication, celebrate successes, and create an atmosphere where all team members feel valued and engaged.