Executive Chef

P.F. Chang's is a renowned dining establishment recognized for its blend of traditional Asian cuisine with a contemporary dining experience. As a prominent restaurant brand, it has successfully combined quality, creativity, and innovation in its menus, providing guests with an authentic yet modern taste of Asian flavors. P.F. Chang's emphasizes hospitality, culinary excellence, and a warm dining atmosphere, contributing to its widespread popularity across multiple locations. The company values its team members, offering comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth, which makes it a preferred employer in the foodservice industry.

The Executive Chef or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM) role at P.F. Chang's is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations to ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, and operational efficiency. This full-time salaried position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $89,000 to $109,000, depending on experience, reflecting the significance of the role combined with the company’s commitment to attracting top culinary talent.

In this role, the Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager leads the culinary team by managing, training, and developing all kitchen staff and Sous Chefs. They are accountable for operational excellence within the kitchen, including managing inventory, food costs, health inspections, and adherence to safety certifications. Managing schedules, conducting interviews, and facilitating ongoing staff training are also essential components of the role. The kitchen leader ensures that all food preparation aligns with P.F. Chang's standards and recipes, maintaining product quality and delivering timely execution of food orders. This role also involves maintaining kitchen equipment, overseeing repairs, and ensuring a safe, clean environment for both team members and guests.

Given the fast-paced, high-volume nature of the restaurant, this role requires hands-on involvement, effective organizational skills, and the ability to work in a physically demanding environment while leading the kitchen team to success. The Executive Chef collaborates closely with the restaurant Operating Partner or General Manager to meet operational goals and uphold the brand's reputation. The position calls for a passionate culinary leader committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where employees are empowered and promoted from within.

Candidates for this position should have a minimum of three years in culinary management, with extensive experience managing kitchen staff, preparing prep lists, managing inventory, and controlling costs. The role also requires a valid driver’s license to perform occasional duties such as deliveries, shift coverage, and attending off-site meetings. Physical stamina and the ability to work in varying kitchen temperatures and lift heavy objects are necessary for success. Additional preferred qualifications include bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish, experience in upscale scratch kitchen concepts, front-of-house management experience, and formal culinary education.

P.F. Chang's is not just about food; it is about celebrating life, family, and community through meaningful work. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), paid time off, and performance incentives including bonuses. The company fosters professional development through paid management training programs and offers employee referral bonuses and exclusive discounts. With most locations closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and additional financial support available through the Lucky Cat Fund, P.F. Chang's demonstrates its commitment to supporting its team members both professionally and personally.