Job Description

Chef / Culinary Production Lead (Contract Position)

Position:

Chef / Culinary Production Lead

Contract Type:

Independent Contractor

Compensation:

Flat-Rate Contract (based on scope) or $25-$30/hour equivalent

Hours:

Variable, based on production schedule and event needs

Location:

Philadelphia Region (Kensington Home Base + West Chester + Event Sites)

Start Date:

January 2026

Position Overview:

FarmerJawn is seeking a contract-based

Chef / Culinary Production Lead

to drive recipe development, oversee culinary production for grab-and-go offerings, develop value-added products, and execute farm-centered culinary experiences. This contractor will work closely with the retail, events, and agriculture teams to turn farm-grown ingredients into high-quality prepared foods and memorable food experiences for the community.

This role is ideal for a chef who is entrepreneurial, creative, organized, and passionate about regenerative agriculture, seasonal cooking, and community-centered dining experiences. The position begins as contract-based with potential to evolve as the culinary program grows.

Key Responsibilities: Recipe Development & Product Innovation

Develop recipes using seasonal and regeneratively grown produce from FarmerJawn farms. Create value-added products such as ferments, pickles, sauces, broths, dressings, teas, or prepared items for retail. Conduct test kitchen days, standardize recipes, and document production processes. Align offerings with FarmerJawn's mission of nutrition, access, and health through food.

Grab-and-Go Production

Lead weekly production of prepared foods for retail stores, farmers markets, and CSA add-ons. Manage ingredient sourcing, prep workflows, batching, labeling, and packaging. Ensure compliance with food safety standards and all local regulations. Maintain consistency, flavor integrity, and high-quality presentation.

Culinary Experiences & Events

Design and execute farm dinners, happy hours, themed tasting events, chef tables, and pop-ups. Build seasonal menus showcasing farm-grown produce and storytelling around regenerative agriculture. Collaborate with retail and events teams to create community-centered food experiences that drive engagement and brand loyalty.

Cross-Team Collaboration

Coordinate with the Agriculture Team to anticipate crop availability and incorporate seasonal surpluses creatively. Work with the Director of Retail & Experiences to plan culinary programming, seasonal launches, and promotional campaigns. Support educational workshops or demonstrations when needed.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal contractor is a chef who enjoys flexibility, thrives in collaborative settings, and brings both creativity and systems thinking to food production.

Qualifications:

Proven professional kitchen experience (restaurant, catering, production, or farm-to-table strongly preferred). Demonstrated experience in recipe development and small-batch or medium-batch production. Strong understanding of food handling, safety protocols, and kitchen efficiency. ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain). Ability to manage production timelines, sourcing, costing, and menu creation. Capable of lifting 40+ lbs and working in fast-paced and sometimes rustic environments (farms, markets, pop-ups). Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams. Passion for seasonal cooking, regenerative agriculture, community health, and food as medicine.

Work Environment & Expectations:

Flexible schedule based on production and event calendar. Must be available for evenings and weekends associated with dinners and community experiences. Work occurs across multiple locations including commercial kitchens, retail stores, FarmerJawn farms, and event sites. Contractor must maintain their own insurance, equipment (if required), and compliance documents.

Perks & Benefits (Contractor):

Creative freedom to shape FarmerJawn's culinary identity. Access to seasonal produce for culinary development. Opportunity to lead high-visibility farm dinners and community food events. Ability to influence product development for retail and wholesale growth. Potential for expanded scope or future long-term partnership.

Why Partner With Us?

This is a unique opportunity to build a regenerative, farm-driven culinary program from the ground up with a James Beard Award Winning Farmer. As Chef / Culinary Production Lead, you will transform ingredients grown in living soil into nourishing meals and experiences that uplift community health and deepen people's relationship with food. Your work will sit at the heart of FarmerJawn's mission to heal a nation through how we grow and eat.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Experience:

Chef: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:

Philadelphia, PA 19125 (Required)
Work Location: In person