How to Create a 5-Day Head Chef Onboarding Training Plan

Date modified: 21st July 2025 | This article has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

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Day 1: Kitchen Leadership and Operational Overview

The first day focuses on establishing the head chef's leadership presence while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the operation's business framework and expectations.

This foundation day ensures your new head chef understands the business context in which they'll operate, the team they'll lead, and the operational systems they'll manage.

Business Context and Kitchen Systems

Why it's essential: A head chef must understand the business model, target market, and financial expectations to make appropriate culinary decisions. Without this context, even excellent cooking skills won't translate to business success.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Business Model OverviewExplain restaurant concept, customer demographics, price points, and business goalsConnect these elements to culinary decisions
Financial FrameworkReview P&L structure, food cost targets, labour targets, and budgetary constraintsClarify financial authority and accountability
Kitchen Layout AssessmentTour the kitchen with facilities management to understand equipment capabilities and limitationsIdentify immediate maintenance needs or operational bottlenecks
Service Style and StandardsDefine service expectations, timing standards, and presentation benchmarksConnect kitchen operations to front-of-house experience

Team Structure and Leadership Introduction

Establishing authority and building rapport with the kitchen team is critical for head chef success.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Kitchen Brigade IntroductionFormal meeting with all kitchen staff to introduce new head chefAllow head chef to establish expectations and leadership style
Individual Staff MeetingsOne-on-one discussions with sous chefs and key personnelIdentify strengths, aspirations, and development needs
Current Team DynamicsBriefing on team history, informal leadership, and potential challengesHighlight high performers and development opportunities
Management Team IntegrationMeetings with GM, FOH management, and other department headsEstablish cross-departmental relationships and expectations

Operational Systems Assessment

The head chef needs to quickly understand existing systems to maintain continuity while planning improvements.

Training focus:

  • Review of ordering and inventory management systems
  • Assessment of production schedules and prep lists
  • Evaluation of recipe management and standardisation
  • Understanding of quality control mechanisms
  • Review of health and safety compliance systems

Day 1 Assessment Questions:

  • Can they articulate the restaurant's concept and target market?
  • Do they understand the financial expectations and constraints?
  • Have they established appropriate authority with the kitchen team?
  • Are they identifying strengths and weaknesses in current systems?

Day 1 Success Indicators:

  • Demonstrates understanding of business context and financial targets
  • Shows confidence in initial team interactions
  • Asks insightful questions about operational systems
  • Begins to formulate initial assessment of kitchen operations

Day 2: Menu Management and Food Cost Control

Day two focuses on the critical business elements of menu management and cost control, ensuring the head chef can maintain profitability while delivering culinary excellence.

This day establishes the systems and practices that will determine the financial success of the kitchen operation.

Menu Engineering and Analysis

Why it's essential: Menu design and item selection directly impact food costs, kitchen workflow, and customer satisfaction. The head chef must master this balance to succeed.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Current Menu AnalysisReview sales mix, popularity, and profitability of each menu itemIdentify underperforming and star items
Menu Engineering WorkshopTeach contribution margin analysis and menu matrix techniquesApply to current menu and identify improvement opportunities
Seasonal Planning FrameworkEstablish timeline and process for menu changes and seasonal updatesConnect to supplier relationships and market availability
Signature Dish DevelopmentDefine parameters for creating signature items that align with conceptBalance creativity with practical execution considerations

Inventory Management and Ordering Systems

Effective inventory control is fundamental to cost management and requires systematic approaches.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Inventory System TrainingDemonstrate inventory software/systems and counting proceduresEstablish weekly inventory schedule and responsibilities
Par Level ReviewAssess current par levels and adjust based on business volumeBalance minimising inventory with operational needs
Supplier RelationshipsIntroduce to key suppliers and review ordering proceduresEstablish quality expectations and delivery protocols
Waste Tracking ImplementationSet up or review waste tracking systems and reduction strategiesConnect to sustainability goals and cost management

Food Cost Management and Control

Provide comprehensive training on the financial aspects of kitchen management.

Training focus:

  • Recipe costing methods and yield management
  • Labour scheduling to match production needs
  • Portion control systems and training techniques
  • Special event and catering pricing strategies
  • Variance analysis and corrective action procedures

Day 2 Assessment Questions:

  • Can they accurately cost a recipe and calculate food cost percentage?
  • Do they understand the inventory management system and ordering procedures?
  • Have they identified opportunities for menu improvement and cost reduction?
  • Are they comfortable with the financial reporting requirements?

Day 2 Success Indicators:

  • Demonstrates analytical approach to menu management
  • Shows competence with inventory and ordering systems
  • Identifies specific cost-saving opportunities
  • Balances quality expectations with cost considerations

Day 3: Quality Standards and Production Systems

Day three focuses on establishing and maintaining consistent quality while implementing efficient production systems across the kitchen operation.

This day ensures the head chef can deliver consistent excellence through standardisation and systematic approaches to production.

Quality Standards Development

Why it's essential: Consistent quality is the foundation of customer satisfaction and brand reputation. The head chef must establish clear standards and ensure they're maintained.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Dish Specification CreationDevelop or review detailed specifications for each menu itemInclude photos, garnish details, and plating instructions
Tasting SessionConduct tasting of all menu items with kitchen teamProvide feedback and establish benchmark standards
Quality Control PointsIdentify critical control points for quality checks during serviceImplement pass inspection criteria and procedures
Ingredient StandardsReview and establish quality specifications for key ingredientsConnect to supplier selection and product evaluation

Recipe Standardisation and Documentation

Consistent execution requires thorough documentation and training systems.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Recipe Format DevelopmentEstablish or review standard recipe format and required elementsEnsure scalability, clear instructions, and allergen information
Recipe Testing ProtocolSet up system for testing and validating new recipesDefine approval process and implementation timeline
Recipe Management SystemTrain on digital or physical recipe management systemEstablish update procedures and version control
Training Recipe SelectionIdentify key recipes for staff training and developmentCreate progression path of technique development

Production Systems and Workflow Optimisation

Establish systems that maximise efficiency without compromising quality.

Training focus:

  • Prep list development and prioritisation
  • Production scheduling across multiple meal periods
  • Cross-utilisation strategies for ingredients
  • Mise en place standards and station setup
  • Service workflow and expediting systems

Day 3 Assessment Questions:

  • Can they articulate clear quality standards for menu items?
  • Do they understand the recipe management system and documentation requirements?
  • Have they identified inefficiencies in current production systems?
  • Are they implementing effective quality control mechanisms?

Day 3 Success Indicators:

  • Creates clear, detailed specifications for dishes
  • Effectively communicates quality expectations to team
  • Identifies workflow improvements and efficiency opportunities
  • Balances production efficiency with quality requirements

Day 4: Staff Management and Development

Day four focuses on the head chef's critical role in building, managing, and developing an effective kitchen team.

This day ensures the head chef has the leadership and management skills to create a high-performing, stable kitchen brigade.

Team Leadership and Management

Why it's essential: The head chef's leadership directly impacts staff retention, performance, and morale. Effective people management is as important as culinary skill.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Leadership Style WorkshopDiscuss effective leadership approaches for kitchen environmentsIdentify personal leadership style and development areas
Team Meeting FacilitationEstablish structure for daily line-ups and weekly team meetingsPractice effective communication techniques
Conflict Resolution TrainingRole-play common kitchen conflicts and resolution strategiesEstablish protocols for addressing performance issues
Motivation and RecognitionDevelop systems for recognising and rewarding performanceConnect to company values and performance standards

Training and Development Systems

Building team capability requires systematic approaches to skill development.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Training Program ReviewAssess current training materials and proceduresIdentify gaps and improvement opportunities
Skill Matrix DevelopmentCreate or review progression matrix for each kitchen positionDefine clear skill requirements for advancement
Demonstration TechniquesPractice effective methods for teaching culinary techniquesBalance efficiency with thorough knowledge transfer
Performance EvaluationReview evaluation criteria and feedback delivery methodsEstablish regular assessment schedule

Kitchen Culture and Team Building

Creating a positive, professional kitchen culture is essential for long-term success.

Training focus:

  • Building mutual respect and professionalism
  • Developing cross-training and collaboration
  • Creating balanced schedules that support work-life balance
  • Implementing effective pre-service briefings
  • Fostering innovation and creativity within the team

Day 4 Assessment Questions:

  • Can they effectively communicate expectations to the team?
  • Do they demonstrate appropriate leadership presence and authority?
  • Have they identified development needs within the team?
  • Are they comfortable with performance management conversations?

Day 4 Success Indicators:

  • Conducts effective team meetings and briefings
  • Shows confidence in addressing performance issues
  • Identifies specific team development opportunities
  • Balances authority with approachability

Day 5: Business Integration and Strategic Planning

The final day focuses on integrating kitchen operations with broader business objectives and developing strategic plans for ongoing culinary development.

This day ensures the head chef can translate business goals into kitchen actions while planning for long-term success.

Business Integration and Reporting

Why it's essential: The head chef must align kitchen operations with overall business goals and provide meaningful data for management decision-making.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Financial ReportingReview required reports, KPIs, and analysis expectationsSet up regular reporting schedule and format
Business Planning IntegrationConnect kitchen operations to business plan objectivesIdentify kitchen contributions to strategic goals
Cross-Departmental CollaborationEstablish working relationships with FOH, marketing, and eventsCreate coordination systems for special initiatives
Budget ManagementReview budget control responsibilities and variance reportingSet expectations for financial accountability

Strategic Culinary Development

Planning for menu evolution and culinary innovation ensures ongoing relevance and excitement.

Key activities:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Culinary Direction PlanningDevelop 6-12 month culinary roadmap aligned with business goalsInclude seasonal changes, promotions, and innovations
Trend Research MethodsEstablish systems for staying current with culinary trendsIdentify relevant trend sources and evaluation criteria
Innovation ProcessCreate structured approach for menu development and testingBalance creativity with practicality and profitability
Supplier DevelopmentPlan strategic supplier relationships and product sourcingConnect to quality standards and menu development

Continuous Improvement and Systems Refinement

Establish framework for ongoing operational excellence and improvement.

Training focus:

  • Implementing regular kitchen operations reviews
  • Developing feedback mechanisms from customers and staff
  • Creating systems for capturing and implementing improvement ideas
  • Establishing preventative maintenance and equipment care programs
  • Planning professional development for self and key team members

Day 5 Assessment Questions:

  • Can they connect kitchen operations to broader business objectives?
  • Do they understand reporting requirements and financial accountability?
  • Have they begun developing strategic plans for culinary development?
  • Are they establishing systems for continuous improvement?

Day 5 Success Indicators:

  • Demonstrates understanding of business context and objectives
  • Shows comfort with financial management responsibilities
  • Presents initial thoughts on strategic culinary direction
  • Identifies specific operational improvement opportunities

Final Onboarding Review and 30-60-90 Day Planning

Conclude the onboarding with a comprehensive review and forward planning session:

ElementInstructionsNotes
Onboarding ReviewDiscuss key learnings and remaining questionsIdentify areas requiring additional support
30-Day PlanEstablish specific objectives for the first monthFocus on operational stability and team integration
60-Day PlanDefine medium-term goals for systems improvementInclude initial menu refinements and cost optimisation
90-Day PlanSet longer-term strategic objectivesConnect to business plan and culinary direction
Support ResourcesIdentify ongoing mentoring and development resourcesSchedule regular check-ins and performance reviews

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves in Head Chef Onboarding

Must-Haves:

  • Clear financial targets and expectations
  • Comprehensive understanding of menu engineering and food cost management
  • Established quality standards and recipe documentation systems
  • Team leadership training and performance management skills
  • Integration with overall business objectives and reporting requirements

Nice-to-Haves:

  • Advanced culinary trend research methodologies
  • Competitive analysis of local restaurant landscape
  • Media training for public-facing responsibilities
  • Advanced wine and beverage pairing knowledge
  • Sustainability and ethical sourcing certifications
  • Personal brand development as a chef

Customise this five-day plan based on your restaurant's specific needs and the experience level of your new head chef. The most successful onboarding programs balance technical culinary knowledge with business acumen and leadership development, creating a head chef who can deliver both culinary excellence and financial results.