Lead Production Chef
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
| Location: | Wilmington, NC |
| Type: | Full-time |
| Date Posted: | July 31, 2026 |
Benefits:
Location: Drift Cafe Hanover Center
Reports To: Food & Beverage Director
Department: Culinary / Bakery Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Overview The Lead Production Chef oversees all commissary operations for Drift’s local market, ensuring consistent quality, efficient production, and timely fulfillment of all commissary orders across our cafés. This role blends professionalism and precision — heading in daily production, managing ingredient inventory, and fulfilling orders.
Key Responsibilities Production & Operations
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Location: Drift Cafe Hanover Center
Reports To: Food & Beverage Director
Department: Culinary / Bakery Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly
Overview The Lead Production Chef oversees all commissary operations for Drift’s local market, ensuring consistent quality, efficient production, and timely fulfillment of all commissary orders across our cafés. This role blends professionalism and precision — heading in daily production, managing ingredient inventory, and fulfilling orders.
Key Responsibilities Production & Operations
- Manage day-to-day commissary production to fulfill commissary orders for all coffee kitchen locations in the local market.
- Utilize the company’s inventory and order management systems to track and fulfill store orders efficiently.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and safety in all baking operations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace that meets all health and sanitation standards.
- Oversee and manage ingredient inventory on a daily basis, ensuring proper levels for consistent production.
- Place and track ingredient and supply orders based on forecasted needs and production schedules.
- Monitor transfers, usage, and waste to maintain cost efficiency and minimize overstock.
- Oversee weekly inventory management and product transfers to cafés.
- Place ingredient orders and maintain accurate organization of inventory systems.
- Meet regularly with the Food and Beverage Director to review production priorities, and quality feedback.
- Valid drivers license and ability to drive a small transit van.
- 2+ years of professional kitchen experience; prior experience as a lead or head chef strongly preferred.
- Strong organizational and communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience using inventory and recipe management systems
- Demonstrated creativity and technical skill in recipe development.
- Competitive pay and benefits package
- Opportunities for creative input and seasonal product development.
- A collaborative environment focused on quality, innovation, and growth from within the company.
- Health, Dental and Vision benefits eligible after averaging 30 hours per week for 12 month lookback period
- PTO- Eligible after working 1500 hours and averaging 30 hours per week
- 401k- Eligible after 1 year of service, up to a 3% match from Drift
How to apply
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