118 - AJ's Fine Foods Executive Chef - Thompson Peak

Mesa, AZ, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

competitive compensation

Retirement benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Scholarship Opportunities

Store discount

Job Description

The hiring establishment is a vibrant and customer-focused bistro known for its commitment to quality, healthy gourmet food offerings, and exceptional customer service. This bistro operates in a fast-paced environment where food safety, innovation, and team collaboration are paramount. It prides itself on serving customers with fresh, thoughtfully curated menus that promote healthy eating trends while maintaining high standards for food safety and sanitation. As a community-focused dining spot, the bistro also partners with vendors and a catering director to deliver outstanding catering services. The establishment embraces a work culture where teamwork, continuous learning, and a passion for food are highly valued.

We are currently seeking an experienced and dedicated Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and help shape the bistro’s menu and food offerings. The Executive Chef will be the primary foodie of the store, responsible for curating product assortments, developing innovative recipes, managing food safety and sanitation, and driving profitability while maintaining exceptional food quality. This full-time role is integral to the success of the bistro, requiring excellent leadership skills, culinary creativity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The Executive Chef will work closely with the Catering Director, Bistro Team Lead, and vendor partners, taking ownership of ordering, inventory management, team hiring, training, and development. The role also emphasizes educating guests and the team on product knowledge, food trends, and recipes.

This position offers competitive weekly compensation and a range of attractive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and eligible dependents, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement programs, scholarship opportunities for continued education, and store discounts. Our bistro fosters a fun and nourishing work environment where employees are encouraged to continue learning and growing professionally while contributing positively to the community they serve. The Executive Chef position requires candidates who are at least 18 years of age (21 if serving alcohol) and who possess the physical stamina for duties such as standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and other dynamic activities.

Job Requirements

must be at least 18 years of age
must be 21 years of age for any position that serves alcohol
physical ability to stand for extended periods
ability to lift and stock up to 50 pounds
experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
ability to comply with all food safety and sanitation guidelines
strong organizational skills
willingness to support team training and development
ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

proven experience as an executive chef or similar role
knowledge of food safety regulations and standards
strong leadership and team management skills
culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
excellent creativity and recipe development abilities
ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
strong communication and interpersonal skills
proficiency in inventory management and ordering systems
commitment to maintaining high food quality and safety standards
familiarity with healthy eating trends and gourmet food preparation

Job Duties

act as the store’s primary foodie
assist in the curation of product assortment and procurement function for the bistro
develop recipes to produce gourmet food with healthy options in store
develop menus for product offering and work with vendor partners in product/recipe development
work in partnership with the Catering Director on menu planning, facilitating the production of catering menus that ensure profitability and company standards of food quality
ownership over food safety and sanitation in the bistro
educate guests and team members on products and recipes
primary ordering and inventory management for the bistro
assist and drive the hiring process for the bistro
assist bistro team lead with training and development of the bistro team
assist bistro team lead with scheduling responsibilities for the bistro
assist bistro team lead with driving sales and profitability, while controlling shrink, labor, and other expenses
continue to learn and self-develop to stay attune to current healthy eating and food trends
ensure safe working environment for team members and guests by complying with all policies and procedures
own bistro compliance with all state, county and local weights and measures guidelines
all other duties as assigned