Lead Catering Chef

About the role

Congregation Agudas Achim is seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Catering Chef to manage day-to-day back-of-house operations for our kosher kitchen. We are a small, collaborative operation, so the right person will bring a genuine “How can I help?” mindset. Success in this role requires flexibility, sound judgment, strong communication, and a willingness to step in wherever needed to help the team execute excellent events and meals.

What you will do

· Responsible for all aspects of food preparation and service, from initial prep and kitchen setup through cooking, plating, and final service

· Lead daily back-of-house kitchen operations.

· Create and manage the BOH schedule; anticipate staffing needs and coordinate coverage for catering events.

· Order food and kitchen supplies to support quality, portion, timing, and budget goals.

· Develop appealing, practical menus in collaboration with the Catering & Events Manager keeping in mind pricing, production, dietary needs, event logistics, & kashrut.

· Meet with clients when needed to help translate their vision into menus that are both exciting and executable.

· Ensure that the CAA kitchen adheres to the laws of Kashrut (in cooperation with the Senior Rabbi) for kitchen inventory, regular kitchen maintenance, menu development, and food production

· Maintain high standards for sanitation, organization, food safety, temperature logs, safe storage, labeling, cleaning, in compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.

What we are looking for

· Current Kitchen Manager/Certified Food Manager and Food Handler certifications.

· Prior kosher-kitchen experience is welcome but not required; a genuine willingness to learn and follow kashrut is a must.

· Professional kitchen experience, including experience leading shifts in a catering, banquet, institutional, restaurant, or similarly high-volume environment.

· Demonstrated strength in kitchen organization, production planning, ordering, scheduling, and food safety.

· A collaborative, low-ego leadership style and a consistent “How can I help?” approach.

· Clear communication skills and comfort interacting with clients, staff, clergy, vendors, and event partners.

· A flexible 5 days a week schedule, Saturday mornings are required. In addition some Sundays, evenings, and Jewish holidays are required.

· Ability to perform the physical functions of a professional kitchen role, including ability to reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 50 pounds.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

• 403(b)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Restaurant: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Austin, TX 78731 (Required)

Work Location: In person