Assistant Executive Chef

P.F. Chang's is a renowned international restaurant chain that specializes in Asian cuisine, providing guests with an innovative dining experience that combines fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and artistic presentation. Known for its commitment to quality and authentic flavors, P.F. Chang's operates numerous locations across the United States and internationally, making it a popular destination for food lovers who appreciate a vibrant atmosphere paired with exceptional service. The company emphasizes a culture of celebration, family, and food, motivating its team members to create meaningful experiences for their guests.

This job opportunity is for the position of Assistant Executive Chef, also known as Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager, at P.F. Chang's. It is a full-time, non-exempt role with a competitive pay range based on experience, ranging from $66,008.80 to $86,000.20 annually or $23.08 to $30.07 per hour. The position assumes 50 hours of work per week and offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, performance incentives such as monthly and annual bonuses, paid management training programs, employee referral bonuses, exclusive discounts, holiday closures, and a supportive community fund for financial assistance in times of hardship.

The Assistant Executive Chef plays a critical role in managing the restaurant’s culinary operations. This role supports the Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager in overseeing the kitchen team and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety. The Assistant Executive Chef is responsible for the hiring, training, and development of kitchen staff, including Sous Chefs. They manage inventory, control food costs, and ensure efficient food preparation to meet service demands. This position involves hands-on involvement in food production at various kitchen stations and requires a strong focus on operational excellence, team collaboration, and maintaining a safe and clean kitchen environment.

Key responsibilities include delegating daily tasks, conducting initial staff interviews, preparing schedules, maintaining safety certifications, training team members on menu preparation and kitchen procedures, supervising food quality, managing inventory and food costs, conducting performance appraisals, enforcing dress code compliance, overseeing ordering and prep lists, and ensuring proper maintenance of kitchen equipment and facilities. The assistant chef must be able to stand and walk for long periods, lift heavy objects repeatedly, and work in hot kitchen environments.

Ideal candidates will have at least two years of culinary management experience, with a strong background in fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environments. They should possess excellent communication and organizational skills and demonstrate a thorough understanding of inventory management and financial controls. The position requires a valid driver’s license to perform occasional additional duties such as providing shift coverage, delivering catering orders, making supply runs, and supporting operations between locations.

Preference is given to candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish and have experience in casual or upscale dining settings, as well as those familiar with restaurant chains or franchises where corporate processes and protocols are in place. Joining P.F. Chang's means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to celebrating life, family, and food, while receiving professional development opportunities and career advancement through internal promotion. This role is not just a job but a meaningful career path within a supportive and dynamic culinary environment.