Lead Chef Instructor/Manager

Food Lab is a hospitality-driven, hands-on cooking school with locations in Denver and Boulder. We’re all about great food, real cooking skills, and creating an experience where guests learn something, connect with each other, and have a really good time.

Please email [email protected] with a cover letter to be considered. We will not consider applicants without this step.

We’re looking for a Chef Instructor – Manager to lead daily culinary operations at our Denver location. This is a hands-on role for someone who loves cooking and teaching, knows how to run an organized kitchen, and enjoys leading a team.

The Schedule

This position has a fixed Thursday–Monday schedule, with Tuesday and Wednesday off.

Food Lab is an event-driven business, so weekends are our busiest and most important days. Saturday and Sunday availability is a core requirement of this role, and the Thursday–Monday schedule is not negotiable.

Teaching days are generally 2:00–10:30 p.m., approximately three to four days per week. Administrative days are generally 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

This is a 40-hour-per-week position. We take that seriously and do not expect you to work more than 40 hours per week.

The Role

You’ll teach approximately three to four hands-on cooking classes each week while taking ownership of the day-to-day culinary operation in Denver.

That means managing schedules, inventory and ordering, overseeing prep and kitchen readiness, leading the culinary team, and making sure we’re ready to deliver a great experience every time guests walk through the door.

Food Lab already has established menus, recipes, curriculum, and operating systems. We’re not looking for someone to reinvent them. We’re looking for someone who can own the operation, lead the team, and execute what we do really well.

What You’ll Do

• Teach approximately 3–4 hands-on cooking classes per week
• Create and manage weekly chef and kitchen assistant schedules
• Manage staffing coverage and schedule changes
• Oversee food inventory, ordering, par levels, and prep
• Make sure ingredients, equipment, and kitchens are ready for every class and event
• Lead and hold the culinary team accountable to Food Lab standards and systems
• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional kitchen
• Handle day-to-day operational issues and solve problems proactively
• Deliver a warm, fun, and polished guest experience
• Communicate clearly with leadership about staffing, inventory, facilities, and operational needs

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of professional culinary experience
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong organizational and kitchen-management skills
• Experience managing schedules, inventory, and ordering
• Comfortable teaching and interacting with guests
• Confident leading a team and holding people accountable
• Proactive, dependable, and comfortable taking ownership
• Proficient with Google Docs/Sheets and basic computer systems
• Comfortable learning scheduling and administrative software
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain it
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds
• Availability Thursday through Monday, including every weekend

Compensation & Benefits

$74,000 yearly

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• A true 40-hour workweek

We’re a growing company, and we’re looking for someone who wants to become an important part of Food Lab, take real ownership of the Denver operation, and grow with us.

To Apply

Send a cover letter to [email protected] telling us a little about yourself, your culinary and leadership experience, and why Food Lab sounds like a good fit.

Please also confirm that the Thursday–Monday schedule works for you.

Pay: $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Location:

• Denver, CO 80210 (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person