Junior chef jobs in New Jersey

Job Description Lead Line Cook / Junior Sous Chef Full-Time | Maize Cocina & Cocktails | Westfield, NJ Join a Chef-Driven Restaurant with Room to Grow Maize Cocina & Cocktails is seeking an ambitious, talented culinary professional to join our leadership team. We're not looking for someone to simply work a station—we're looking for someone who wants to become a leader. This role is ideal for a highly skilled line cook who is ready to take the next step into management. You'll work directly alongside our Executive Chef and Sous Chef to help lead service, develop our team, and build systems that support the continued growth of our restaurant. If you're passionate about scratch cooking, hospitality, organization, and continuous improvement, we'd love to meet you. About Maize Located in the historic Westfield Train Station, Maize is an independently owned, chef-driven restaurant inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico. We combine authentic techniques with seasonal ingredients and modern presentation in a fast-paced, collaborative kitchen. We believe great restaurants are built by great people. We promote from within, invest in our team, and encourage creativity, accountability, and professional growth. What You'll Do As our Lead Line Cook / Junior Sous Chef, you'll help oversee the daily execution of kitchen operations while developing into a future leadership role. Responsibilities include: • Lead stations during service while maintaining speed, consistency, and quality, • Support the Sous Chef with daily kitchen operations, • Help supervise and coach line cooks and prep cooks, • Ensure all recipes, portions, and plating standards are executed consistently, • Assist with expediting during service, • Verify daily prep completion and station readiness, • Monitor food quality and presentation throughout service, • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards, • Assist with inventory counts, product rotation, and organization, • Help train and onboard new BOH team members, • Step into leadership during assigned shifts, • Contribute ideas that improve systems, efficiency, and guest experience What We're Looking For • Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-volume scratch, upscale or fine dining kitchen, • Previous leadership or lead line experience preferred, • Strong cooking fundamentals and attention to detail, • Sense of urgency without sacrificing quality, • Positive attitude and strong communication skills, • Ability to lead by example and earn the respect of your team, • Desire to continue learning and growing professionally, • ServSafe Certification preferred Growth Opportunity This position is designed as a leadership development role. You'll receive mentorship from our Executive Chef and Sous Chef while gaining experience in: • Kitchen leadership, • Team development, • Inventory management, • Ordering and vendor relations, • Labor management, • Menu implementation, • Systems development, • Recipe documentation, • Operational planning We're committed to promoting from within whenever possible and are looking for someone interested in building a long-term career with Maize. Why Join Maize? • Competitive compensation based on experience, • Paid time off, • Opportunities for advancement, • Chef-driven, scratch kitchen, • Collaborative and respectful culture, • Direct mentorship from experienced culinary leadership, • Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing independent restaurant If you're looking for more than just another kitchen job—and want to become part of a team that's building something special—we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction telling us about your culinary background and what excites you about this opportunity. \nCompany Description Maize Cocina & Cocktails is an award-winning, independently owned, chef-driven restaurant in the heart of Westfield, NJ. Inspired by the diverse regions of Mexico, we combine scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, and genuine hospitality to create memorable guest experiences. We believe in promoting from within, investing in our people, and building long-term culinary careers in a collaborative, respectful, and growth-focused kitchen. Maize Cocina & Cocktails is an award-winning, independently owned, chef-driven restaurant in the heart of Westfield, NJ. Inspired by the diverse regions of Mexico, we combine scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, and genuine hospitality to create memorable guest experiences. We believe in promoting from within, investing in our people, and building long-term culinary careers in a collaborative, respectful, and growth-focused kitchen.

Job DescriptionAbout the Role: Join DA Cordi LLC as a Sous Chef in Brick Township, NJ, where culinary creativity meets exceptional service. Be part of a dynamic kitchen team dedicated to crafting unforgettable dining experiences. Responsibilities: • Assist the head chef in menu planning and food preparation., • Supervise kitchen staff and ensure efficient kitchen operations., • Maintain high standards of food safety and cleanliness., • Prepare and present dishes according to restaurant standards., • Manage inventory and assist in ordering supplies., • Train and mentor junior kitchen staff., • Collaborate with front-of-house staff to enhance guest experience., • Stay updated on culinary trends and techniques.Requirements:, • Proven experience as a sous chef or in a similar role., • Culinary degree or relevant certification preferred., • Strong leadership skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment., • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities., • Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices., • Passion for cooking and creativity in the kitchen., • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively., • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.About Us: DA Cordi LLC has been a cherished part of the Brick Township community, known for our commitment to quality and innovation in dining. Our team thrives in a supportive environment where creativity and collaboration are encouraged, making it a great place to grow your culinary career.

Keep kitchen clean and organized.

Job DescriptionDescription: An experienced cook who?prepares meals following recipes, manages kitchen stations (grill, sauté, fry), ensures food quality/safety, and may train junior staff, often working under a head or executive chef to deliver consistent dishes handling both basic prep and more complex cooking methods like baking, frying, and grilling.?Maintains the quality, presentation, professional attitude, and sanitation of the kitchen. Requirements: Three+ years related experience or equivalent. Commitment to excellence and high standards Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook. Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm Acute attention to detail Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds. Must be able to work independently. Must provide valid documents(s) to work in the US. Must meet legal age requirements for the position.

Job Description About Company: Gulph Creek Hotels is widely recognized as the leading hotel management company on the East Coast. Our portfolio of managed properties consistently outperforms the market and exceeds financial return expectations. Established in 1995, Gulph Creek Hotels represents some of the most prestigious brands in the hospitality industry, including Marriott and Hilton. We leverage our extensive management and development expertise to drive success across our growing portfolio. • Consistently surpassing the performance of competing properties., • A team of highly skilled, responsive managers and staff members., • Extensive expertise in operations, sales, and marketing. The owners of Gulph Creek Hotels are directly involved in daily operations and frequently visit properties to ensure optimal performance and support the success of our team members. About the Role: The Sous Chef plays a crucial role in the kitchen, supporting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations and ensuring the highest quality of food preparation. This position is responsible for overseeing the culinary team, maintaining food safety standards, and contributing to menu development that aligns with the restaurant's vision. The Sous Chef will also be instrumental in training and mentoring junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Additionally, this role involves hands-on cooking, where the Sous Chef will prepare and present dishes that meet the restaurant's fine dining standards. Ultimately, the Sous Chef's leadership and culinary expertise will directly impact the guest experience and the restaurant's reputation. Minimum Qualifications: • Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar role in a fine dining establishment., • Culinary degree or equivalent professional training., • Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine and menu development. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience in a leadership role within a high-volume kitchen., • Familiarity with food safety regulations and best practices., • Ability to create innovative recipes and adapt to seasonal ingredients. Responsibilities: • Assist the Executive Chef in menu planning and recipe development, focusing on Italian cuisine., • Supervise kitchen staff, ensuring that all food preparation and cooking processes are executed to the highest standards., • Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed, ensuring that all ingredients are fresh and of high quality., • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment., • Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Skills: The required skills of menu development and food preparation are essential for creating dishes that not only meet but exceed guest expectations. The Sous Chef will utilize their expertise in Italian cuisine to craft authentic and flavorful meals, ensuring that each dish is a reflection of the restaurant's culinary vision. Leadership skills are vital as the Sous Chef will guide and inspire the kitchen team, promoting a collaborative atmosphere that enhances productivity. Attention to detail is crucial in maintaining food safety standards and ensuring that every plate served is of the highest quality. Additionally, the ability to adapt recipes and menus based on seasonal ingredients will allow the Sous Chef to keep the dining experience fresh and exciting.