Executive Chef

St. Louis, MO, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $75,500.00 - $95,500.00

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Monthly bonus

Annual bonus

Paid management training

Referral Bonus

Employee Discounts

Holidays

financial assistance

Job Description

P.F. Chang's is a renowned upscale restaurant chain specializing in Asian-inspired cuisine, known for its commitment to quality, contemporary dining experience, and celebration of family and community. Established with a focus on scratch-made dishes and an inviting atmosphere, P.F. Chang's has become a leader in the casual dining segment, offering guests an extraordinary culinary adventure. The company prides itself on a vibrant culture that values teamwork, professional growth, and delivering exceptional service to every guest. With numerous locations across the country, P.F. Chang's continues to expand while maintaining high standards of operational excellence and innovation in the kitchen and beyond.

We are currently hiring for a full-time salaried Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM) position at P.F. Chang's. This role is central to the success of the kitchen operations and the overall guest dining experience. The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager will oversee the culinary team and food service operations, ensuring the highest operating standards in the kitchen. This includes recruiting, training, and developing the culinary team and staff, alongside managing inventory, food costs, and kitchen financials effectively. Reporting directly to the Operating Partner or General Manager, the Executive Chef ensures operational excellence, maintains food quality and safety standards, and drives a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The Executive Chef will manage all aspects of kitchen management such as scheduling, interviewing new hires, supervising food preparation, and maintaining health and safety regulations in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment. This role demands a hands-on leader who is capable of working across all kitchen stations, fostering teamwork, and promoting employee development through ongoing training and performance reviews. P.F. Chang's offers a competitive salary between $75,500 and $95,500 annually, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports team members both professionally and personally.

Joining P.F. Chang's means becoming part of a supportive and passionate community dedicated to celebrating life, family, and food. The company offers robust professional development opportunities, including paid management training programs aimed at career growth and internal promotion. Employees are also eligible for a referral bonus program, exclusive discounts, financial assistance during hardships, and enjoy holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas closures at most locations. This role is ideal for an experienced culinary manager who thrives in a dynamic setting and is eager to contribute to a thriving restaurant brand while advancing their career in culinary leadership.

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
Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)
Experience working in an upscale scratch kitchen concept (preferred)
Previous front of house restaurant management experience (preferred)
Culinary degree or culinary certificate (preferred)

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