Chef de Cuisine

Camporeale is a new Southern Italian restaurant from chef Nicholas Stefanelli, opening at Current Landing, Kansas City's new riverfront neighborhood alongside CPKC Stadium. Rooted in the cooking of Puglia and Sicily, Camporeale brings the same standards of cuisine and hospitality behind Stefanelli's Masseria in Washington, D.C., which earned a star in the city's first-ever Michelin Guide in 2016 and has held it every year since.

In terms of both cuisine and service, our standards are high — and so are those of our guests. In the kitchen, everything is made from scratch with great attention to detail, from bread service to every ingredient supporting the cocktail program, and we practice whole-animal butchery. Our front-of-house team provides seamless service with knowledge and warmth. We are looking for individuals who value hospitality and creating exceptional moments for our guests.

We offer our team a healthy work-life balance, competitive salary and benefits, and an enriching work environment. We invite you to help build our founding team of creative, passionate hospitality professionals.

The Role

Camporeale is seeking a pre-opening Chef de Cuisine to build the kitchen from the ground up and lead it through opening and beyond. Working closely with chef Nicholas Stefanelli, you will help develop the menu, hire and train the opening kitchen team, set up vendors and systems, and then assume responsibility for all culinary operations day to day.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a kitchen leadership and management role
• Degree in culinary arts or equivalent professional experience
• Proficiency in English (speaking, writing, and reading)

Preferred Qualifications

• Restaurant opening experience
• Experience managing food COGS and labor costs
• Food Handler/ServSafe certification
• Bilingual/multilingual
• Experience with systems such as Toast, R365, Indeed, and Culinary Agents

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Partner with chef Nicholas Stefanelli on menu R&D and recipe development
• Recruit, hire, and onboard the opening kitchen team
• Build kitchen systems, prep lists, recipes, and standard operating procedures
• Source and set up vendors, with an emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients
• Lead pre-opening kitchen training and menu tastings
• Oversee kitchen equipment setup and commissioning

Ongoing Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for all culinary operations
• Ensure all food meets the highest quality standards
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations, including sanitation protocols and equipment maintenance
• Oversee and schedule all kitchen staff, working closely with the sous chef team
• Hire kitchen staff for the appropriate positions
• Manage food cost, labor, and the kitchen P&L
• Lead ongoing R&D and menu development
• Source vendors for supplies and ingredients
• Expedite food in a timely manner
• Keep up with kitchen and culinary industry trends

What We Expect From You

• Act with integrity and honesty, and champion the culture, values, and mission of Camporeale
• Strong leadership skills and a desire to mentor, coach, and train a team
• A passion for food, and a drive to present the best product
• A passion for sourcing sustainable and local ingredients
• A keen eye for detail and a natural sense of urgency
• Ability to adapt, make decisions quickly, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to ensure food preparation and execution follow established procedures
• Ability to analyze a P&L
• Effective communication and a positive, professional attitude with the team
• A love of making others happy

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• All employees are to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance (specifics will be provided)

Equal Opportunity

Camporeale strives to cultivate an inclusive work environment and is proud to celebrate diversity within our ranks. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to color, race, gender identity, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable law.

Energetic team players looking to grow personally and professionally with a new, ambitious restaurant who feel they meet the qualifications above are encouraged to apply.