159- AJ's Fine Foods Executive Chef - 44th St & Camelback

AJ's Bistro is a culinary-focused department within a larger retail or grocery store environment, dedicated to delivering gourmet food options and exceptional customer service. Known for its commitment to quality, healthy eating, and community nourishment, AJ's Bistro has established itself as a go-to destination for customers seeking artisanal meals and fresh food options. The Bistro emphasizes product curation, innovative recipe development, and collaboration with vendor partners to offer a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. AJ's Bistro operates in a fast-paced, customer-centric setting where teamwork, safety, and continuous learning are paramount to success.

The Executive Chef role at AJ's Bistro is a vital leadership position reporting directly to the Bistro Team Lead and coordinating closely with the Store Team Lead. This role is designed for an experienced culinary professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. The Executive Chef is responsible for directing and supervising all activities within the Bistro department, with particular focus on merchandising, sales, and achieving customer service excellence. The chef plays a key role in curating product assortments, developing innovative recipes, and designing menus that feature gourmet options, including health-conscious choices that align with current food trends.

This position includes significant responsibility for food safety and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with local, county, and state guidelines to maintain a safe environment for both team members and guests. The Executive Chef also takes on operational functions such as inventory management and ordering, contributing to efficient resource use and cost control.

Collaboration is a core aspect of the role, requiring the Executive Chef to work alongside catering directors for menu planning that supports catering profitability and upholds company food quality standards. The role extends beyond food preparation to include team leadership duties such as assisting in hiring, scheduling, training, and development of Bistro team members. By driving these human resource functions, the Executive Chef supports the overall sales and profitability goals of the department while managing labor, shrinkage, and expenses carefully.

AJ's Bistro seeks a professional who is not only skilled in culinary arts but also dedicated to personal growth and staying attuned to evolving food and health trends. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that the Bistro remains a leader in offering fresh, healthy, and innovative food choices. Physical demands of the position include standing for extended periods, lifting and stocking up to 50 pounds, and other activities typical of a busy kitchen and retail environment. The work environment is both challenging and rewarding, offering a fun atmosphere where employees contribute meaningfully to nourishing their community.

This is a full-time role with competitive compensation paid weekly. AJ's Bistro provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and educational scholarships. Employees also enjoy store discount programs and the chance to work in an engaging setting focused on community well-being. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and 21 years for positions involving alcohol service. Internal candidates require their leader's recommendation to apply, and rehires must be approved by Human Resources Business Partners. Overall, the Executive Chef position at AJ's Bistro offers a unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with leadership, operational oversight, and a commitment to healthy eating and customer satisfaction.