Executive Chef

LOCATION：Westfield UTC, 4301 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 2040, San Diego, California 

COMPENSATION:

Annual Base Salary:  $100,000 – $120,000 USD

Eligible for annual performance incentive plan, based on individual and company results.

Actual base salary within the range is determined by factors including prior experience, industry expertise, current business needs, and market conditions. Range does not include potential bonus or benefits.

BENEFITS:

· Competitive salary and benefits package

· Free meals during shifts & associate discounts

· Opportunity to serve the local community

· Career advancement & ongoing leadership developmen

Medical insurance available for eligible full-time employees

JOB SUMMARY:

The Executive Chef is responsible for upholding the brand’s culinary standards by ensuring every dish consistently meets quality and presentation expectations. This role oversees all kitchen operations, enforces strict food safety and sanitation protocols, and leads the team to maintain a productive, safe, collaborative, and positive work environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

· Consistently deliver all menu items according to established recipes and quality standards, maintaining efficient service speed and ensuring guest satisfaction at all times.

· Ensure strict compliance with food safety protocols (HACCP, ServSafe) and conduct regular sanitation inspections.

· Conduct periodic kitchen safety and sanitation training to ensure compliance with operating procedures and to ensure staff, food, and workplace safety.

Kitchen Operations & Cost Management 

· Develop detailed daily production plans, and efficiently assign workstations and equipment to maximize kitchen productivity.

· Oversee ingredient purchasing and inventory control to minimize waste and prevent shortages, while consistently meeting targeted kitchen gross margins.

· Monitor and analyze kitchen cost structure, proactively identifying and implementing cost-saving strategies.

Team Management & Development

· Recruit, hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff including cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, to build a high-performing team.

· Monitor team performance and workflow during peak hours to ensure consistency, speed and high standards.

· Encourage skill development and strengthen team cohesion to retain talent.

· Lead by example and enforce clear standards of discipline to promote a positive work environment; conduct regular BOH staff meetings to ensure team goals are consistently aligned with company objectives.

Cross-Department Collaboration

· Collaborate closely with FOH leadership, attend management meetings, and effectively execute tasks and assignments delegated by the General Manager.

· Coordinate with suppliers and the company purchasing team to ensure smooth supply chain operations.

Perform other duties as assigned by upper management

Qualifications

· Passionate about the restaurant industry, with proven chain restaurant management experience; minimum of 2 years as a restaurant Head Chef and a record of successful leadership.

· California Food Handler Certification (manager level) required

· Strong knowledge of kitchen equipment maintenance and safety required

· Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

Fluency in English; Spanish proficiency is a plus

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

· Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

· Able to safely use knives and kitchen equipment

· Ability to frequently bend, stretch, and reach for products and supplies (with or without reasonable accommodations)

· Ability to work in temperature-variable environments including refrigerated areas and hot kitchen spaces

· Able to work in noisy environments such as those with stir-fry stations, dishwashers, and other loud kitchen equipment

Ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the work area to uphold safety standards

LEGAL COMPLIANCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Chef Fei is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and strictly complies with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and the Fair Chance Act. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws.

We only hire individuals who are authorized to work legally in the United States and comply with relevant immigration and employment laws.

As a condition of employment, all employees must provide verifiable identity information and legal work authorization. If valid proof of employment cannot be provided within the statutory time limit, the company will be forced to terminate the employment relationship.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

TO APPLY： 

Please send your resume and cover letter to the following email address: HR@CHEFFEI.COM

Chef Fei looks forward to welcoming you to our team and helping you start a new chapter in your career.