Job Title: Head of Culinary Operations Status: Full Time
Reports to: VP of Hospitality
Salary Range: $95,000 / year
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Head of Culinary operations is responsible for overseeing all culinary aspects of the organization, ensuring high food quality, labor costs, budgets, training and operations, as well as innovating menus and dining experiences . They will assist in developing and executing culinary strategy across all locations. This person will be responsible for leading kitchen managers, developing teams, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring each kitchen is a consistent, profitable, and scalable part of the business.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Culinary Strategy & Brand Alignment
Design and implement brand-specific culinary programs that reflect each concept’s identity while aligning with broader company goals.
Collaborate with beverage and marketing teams to create cohesive guest experiences. Lead R&D for seasonal updates, LTOs, and culinary innovation.
Profitability & Operational Efficiency
Own food cost, assist in kitchen labor cost efficiencies, and kitchen P&Ls across all locations.
Develop and maintain systems for accurate ordering, recipe costing, portion control, and inventory tracking.
Identify and implement scalable systems and tools (e.g., kitchen software, digital inventory tracking, etc.).
Oversee food safety and health code compliance; set and enforce company-wide standards.
Vendor & Supply Chain Management
Build strong vendor partnerships that balance quality, reliability, and cost.
Work alongside the VP of Hospitality to negotiate contracts, streamline SKUs, and pursue cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing quality.
Establish and maintain consistent product specs across locations.
Leadership & People Development
Manage and mentor Kitchen Managers and back-of-house leaders across all locations.
Create and oversee training programs that emphasize consistency, safety, growth, and accountability.
Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and pride in craft.
Build internal pipelines for BOH growth and leadership development.
Use data to guide decision-making and refine operations.
Ensure consistent recipe documentation, prep sheets, and production guides across all units.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications:
5+ years of culinary leadership experience with proven track record in multi-unit operations, staff development, and financial management.
Deep understanding of food cost management, labor optimization, kitchen systems, and inventory control.
Proven experience in leading and developing high-performing BOH teams.
Culinary degree preferred but not required.
ServSafe Certification or equivalent required.
Ability to travel to multiple locations on a regular basis.
Self-motivated and able to navigate regional travel and autonomous problem-solving.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated leadership abilities with a collaborative approach.
Excellent customer service and guest recovery skills.
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Ability to build and implement effective training programs.
Experience with Toast POS and Restaurant365 (R365) systems is a plus.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
Reliable transportation and ability to travel regularly between locations.
Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and to stand for extended periods of time.
ABOUT US
HENDLER FAMILY BREWING COMPANY IS PROUDLY INDEPENDENT AND FAMILY-OWNED.
HFBCo was founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric and Sam Hendler and is still family owned to this day. Our mission? Create high-quality products that honor tradition and the spirit of inspired innovation. With an entrepreneurial heart and a passion for people, we take pride in learning from and contributing to our vibrant community.
HFBCo is proud to offer the following benefits to our valued employees:
Medical, Dental, Vision start on day one
Matching 401k after 9 months of employment
Paid time off, Vacation, Sick time, Company holidays
Training and industry related education
Membership in Master Brewers Association of America
Employee Meals
Free case of our beer weekly (must be 21+ years of age)
Hendler Family Brewing Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at hr@hendlerfamilybrewco.com.
Compensation: $95,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
Hendler Family Brewing Co.
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT AND FAMILY OWNED
The story of Hendler Family Brewing Company is rooted in family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong commitment to craft and community. Brothers Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler continue a decades-old legacy that began in the 1950’s, when their grandfather, Richard Hendler, founded the Saxony Ice Company in New York. Their first jobs were alongside their father, Paul, and uncle, Jeff, who carried on the family business.
Guided by these values, Hendler Family Brewing Company has grown from Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers into a flourishing family business. Beyond brewing, the company continues to invest in its people and community by offering diverse career opportunities, providing nearly 300 jobs across five permanent locations in Massachusetts.
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers
Founded in 2011 by three brothers, Jack, Eric, and Sam Hendler, Jack’s Abby has become a mainstay of the craft brewing scene in the Northeast and nationwide.
Jack’s Abby brews lagers and only lagers. Born in Bavaria over 500 years ago, lagers became beloved across Europe. Lagers feature a distinctive smoothness and fullness that no other beer has and that we think everyone deserves.
Since its inception, the brewery has continued to uphold its mission of creating high-quality products that honor tradition and the spirit of inspired innovation. With an entrepreneurial heart and a passion for people, we take pride in learning from and contributing to our vibrant community.
In a Somerville, MA apartment in 2007, when 3 friends began homebrewing beer for friends and family. Their hobby took place after work, often stretching late into the night - what they called their “night shift.” Driven by a passion to craft more interesting and flavorful beers than the commercial options available, they turned that hobby into something bigger. In 2012, Night Shift Brewing officially launched in a small Everett warehouse, setting the foundation for what would become a thriving independent brewery.
Today, Night Shift Brewing continues to grow, fueled by the same commitment to creativity, quality, and community. With a dedicated team of hardworking staff, the company operates a taproom and brewery in Everett, a restaurant and brewery at Lovejoy Wharf in Boston, and a handful of seasonal Owl’s Nest beer gardens. Its portfolio of beverages can be found across the Northeast and beyond. Night Shift Brewing remains focused on three core values—inclusivity, innovation, and ingenuity—while embracing the mantra “all styles welcome.” We invite anyone and everyone to join us in welcoming all styles of beverages, people, and ideas. Welcome to the Night Shift.
Wormtown Brewery started in 2010 on Park Ave in Worcester, MA, transforming an old ice cream shop into a small brewery. From the beginning, the focus was on crafting great beer while staying true to its hometown roots. With strong support from the local community, new recipes were created and refined.
Then came Be Hoppy—a bold West Coast IPA released at the height of the Hazy New England IPA craze. It stood out from the pack and quickly became a fan favorite.
As word spread, so did the brewery. What started as a small Worcester operation grew into two taprooms and a brand recognized across New England. But no matter how far the beer travels, the mission remains the same: to craft high-quality beer that brings people together with a smile, one pint at a time.