ABOUT LITTLE SAINT

Located in the heart of historic downtown Healdsburg, Little Saint is a vibrant meeting place where guests are invited to connect over food, music, art and conversation. Our mission is to create an environment that is good for the soul, the earth and the community. Inside our 10,000-square-foot space, Little Saint offers up a full-service farm-forward restaurant, cafe and wine shop with a focus on plant-based cuisine. The building is home to exciting live music and thought-provoking conversations, as well as a series of film screenings and performances to benefit local artists and our farming community.  Little Saint sources ingredients from their own Little Saint Farm only a short distance away.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Restaurant Director and Ownership, the Executive Chef is the leader of the Culinary Team, responsible for developing exceptional plant-based menus, overseeing kitchen operations, working closely with the Little Saint Farm Director and Farm Team, and fostering a positive and collaborative team culture. The expectations for this role are to lead a high-performing culinary team that delivers an exceptional dining experience.  This role ensures that Little Saint consistently delivers high-quality, seasonal, plant-based dishes while upholding the values of sustainability and innovation. Little Saint strives to be an industry leader for ingenuity, innovation and passion around the holistic plant-based lifestyle.  The Executive Chef will be a valued leader and make a positive lasting impact in the organization and plant-based culinary scene for years to come.

This role is a full-time, exempt position requiring approximately 50 hours per week with flexibility to include evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Work/life balance is cherished at Little Saint and we strive to ensure all employees are able to live a full life personally and professionally.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS

• 7+ years of progressive food, beverage and/or service management experience in an upscale casual and/or fine dining atmosphere. Vegan/plant-based experience preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience leading high-performing culinary teams of 20+ team members
• Demonstrated progression of increased responsibility throughout culinary career
• Must have previously managed a high volume, multiple service period kitchen with complex operations in a Chef de Cuisine or similar role
• High School Diploma or significant relevant work experience beyond the minimum requirements of the role.
• Culinary Degree from Culinary Institute of America or similar preferred
• Must have food service competencies in kitchen math and computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Able to work in a fast paced and changing environment.
• Must have the ability to regularly work 50 hours per week.
• Be able to lift 50 pounds numerous times and bend and reach frequently.
• ServSafe Certification

WHO YOU ARE

• A skilled and passionate culinary leader with 5+ years of experience running large-scale kitchen operations.
• Experienced in upscale casual vegan/plant-based cooking and/or have a strong understanding of that cuisine.
• A collaborative team player with excellent leadership and culture-building skills.
• Proficient in tools like Toast POS, Google Drive, and Craftable.
• Knowledgeable in financial operations, including P&L management and labor controls.
• Positive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Committed to sustainability and aligned with Little Saint’s values.

Core Values and Leadership

• Be a model of Little Saint’s core values, striving to infuse their meaning and relevance into all aspects of leadership.
• Act with integrity, honesty, and loyalty, demonstrating alignment with and a strong understanding of Little Saint’s various restaurant departments, employees, programming and products.
• Represent Little Saint professionally through effective communication, follow-through, and collaboration with all internal and external business partners.
• Take ownership of personal performance while inspiring and elevating the performance of the team, encouraging growth and innovation.
• Provide efficient leadership to foster a culture of respect and create opportunities for staff development and growth.
• Demonstrate a focus and commitment to elevating the guest and employee experience.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work as a member of a highly functioning team, maintaining professional and respectful dialogue to collaboratively identify solutions to challenges.
• Understand and effectively communicate the philosophy of management and ownership to the team.
• Build a collaborative, supportive team culture that aligns with Little Saint’s values and mission.

Culinary Expertise and Operations

• Possess a strong understanding of plant-based cuisine, with expertise in upscale casual and seasonal, farm-driven cooking. Vegan/plant-based experience preferred.
• Proven skills in menu development, service execution, and innovative culinary techniques.
• Experienced in running large-scale kitchen operations, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of inventory, labor management systems, and financial operations, including P&L management and labor controls.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Positive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Proficient in tools such as Toast POS, Google Drive, and Craftable.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Committed to sustainability and aligned with Little Saint’s mission to improve the restaurant industry and environment.

• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety in all kitchen operations.

 
Little Saint's Core Values and How We Embody Them:

• One Little Saint
• Respect & Kindness
• Value Everyone and Diverse Viewpoints
• Trust & Transparency
• Professional
• Genuine & Authentic
• Supportive

Lead with Confidence while Embracing Diverse Viewpoints: Anticipate challenges, develop plans and collaborate with your Team through trust and transparency.  Value everyone and show empathy to all.

Be Present and Effectively Communicate: Speak up, listen to others and provide supportive feedback with professionalism and authenticity.  Be genuine to yourself and your team.

Drive Positive Change with Respect, Kindness and a Positive Attitude: Take initiative to resolve issues with a solution-based mindset while fostering respectful communication and kindness within the Little Saint Team and our greater Community.

Stay Motivated with Enthusiasm: Little Saint encourages and supports education and personal and professional development.  Take ownership of your development by approaching everyday and all tasks with dedication and excitement.

Embrace Change and Show Up for Your Team: Respond positively to change, remaining supportive of your Team's efforts and needs.

One Little Saint: Our Success is a Team Success. Encourage cooperation and trust among team members, working towards common goals.  We are One Little Saint.

Lead by Example at All Levels: Exemplify the values of the Little Saint Leadership & Management Teams, earning trust and respect from your colleagues, our guests and the Little Saint Community.

COMPENSATION

• Competitive Wage
• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off - Including Sick and Mental Health Time Off
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Potential Bonuses

Little Saint is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Little Saint is committed to hiring a diverse workforce, sustaining an inclusive culture, fostering an environment of continual improvement, and offering opportunities for growth and career development.