Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $89,000.00 - $109,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

performance bonuses

Professional Development

Job Description

P.F. Chang's is a premier full-service Asian dining restaurant known for its innovative menu, exceptional customer service, and high standards of culinary excellence. With numerous locations across the United States and internationally, P.F. Chang's combines fresh, flavorful ingredients and modern Asian cuisine techniques to provide a memorable dining experience. The company values its team members and fosters a supportive and inclusive culture focused on growth and development. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, competitive pay, and a variety of perks designed to enhance work-life balance and professional advancement.

This role is for an Executive Chef or Head Chef or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM) at P.F. Chang's, offering a full-time salaried position with a competitive pay range of $89,000 to $109,000 per year, depending on experience. The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations and managing the restaurant culinary team to ensure the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction are met consistently. This role reports directly to the Operating Partner or General Manager, positioning the Executive Chef as a critical leader within the restaurant’s operational hierarchy.

Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, and developing the culinary team, managing inventory and controlling food costs, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, and maintaining product quality and kitchen excellence. The Executive Chef will lead the kitchen staff in preparing high-quality menu items according to established recipes and procedures while ensuring efficient food preparation and timely production. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, the ability to manage a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, and a passion for culinary arts combined with sound business acumen.

P.F. Chang's offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside monthly and annual performance bonuses. The company promotes from within and supports employee growth through paid management training programs. Additional benefits such as referral bonuses, exclusive employee discounts, holiday closures on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and financial assistance for team members during hardship via the Lucky Cat Fund highlight the organization’s supportive work environment.

Working as an Executive Chef at P.F. Chang's means joining a dynamic team that values creativity, teamwork, and operational excellence. This position demands a blend of culinary expertise, management experience, and dedication to food quality and team development. It presents an opportunity for seasoned culinary professionals who seek to grow their careers in a vibrant and expanding company culture that truly celebrates life, family, and food.

Job Requirements

3+ years of culinary management experience with experience managing and writing prep lists
Must possess a valid driver’s license to perform occasional duties such as providing shift coverage, meeting liquor license requirements (depending on the state), delivering large catering orders (which may include operating a rental truck), making supply runs, local restaurant marketing, attending offsite training and business meetings, and traveling between restaurant locations to support operations
Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training
Strong communication and organizational skills
Must be able to stand and walk for periods of eight to ten hours in length each shift
Must be able to reach, bend, balance and transport various objects weighing up to 30 lbs repeatedly during a shift. At times it might be necessary to lift up to 50 lbs
Must be able to work around various levels of temperature, including warm to very warm temperatures in the kitchen

Job Qualifications

3+ years of culinary management experience with experience managing and writing prep lists
Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training
Strong communication and organizational skills

Job Duties

Accountable for operational excellence in the kitchen
Delegates tasks and gives direction to all kitchen staff
Conducts interviews with kitchen management and staff candidates
Selection, orientation and continual development of all Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
Prepares work schedule for Sous Chef and kitchen staff
On-going preservation of safety certification requirements for all kitchen staff
Responsible for managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
Responsible for health inspections
Supervises and facilitates all training for all food prep and execution of menu items, procedures, and recipes to all kitchen staff
Ensures proper timing and production for food orders
On-going performance appraisals for Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
Holds kitchen staff accountable for dress code standards
Responsible for maintaining all product quality standards
Responsible for maintaining expected food costs and inventory
Oversees or completes all prep lists and ordering guides
Completes opening and closing checklists
Responsible for maintenance and repairs of kitchen equipment and facility
Responsible for knowing how to work all kitchen stations proficiently
Accountable for providing a clean and safe environment for both Team Members and Guests