
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Exact $70,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Sick Time
Recognized holidays
401(k) match
Pet insurance
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
employee discount
Job Description
Balducci's Food Lover's Market is a renowned gourmet food retailer noted for its carefully curated selection of premium ingredients, chef-prepared meals, and dedication to delivering culinary excellence. The company prides itself on providing customers with high-quality specialty foods and unique dining experiences, operating in a retail environment that combines the charm of a gourmet grocery store with the expertise and quality of a fine dining establishment. Based in McLean, VA, Balducci's has built a reputation not only as a marketplace but as a destination for food lovers seeking exceptional products and service. As a trusted name in gourmet food retail, Balducci's continues to expand its offerings, emphasizing seasonal selections, sustainability, and culinary innovation, making it a leader in the upscale food market sector.
The role of Executive Chef at Balducci's Food Lover's Market in McLean, VA, is a pivotal leadership position overseeing all kitchen and prepared foods operations. This role requires dynamic leadership, sharp business acumen, and culinary creativity to manage and inspire the culinary team while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Serving as the executive chef, you will be the visionary guiding the design and execution of seasonal and innovative menus that align with contemporary culinary trends and customer preferences. The position commands accountability for managing food production areas including the hot bar, salad bar, and full-service deli, as well as overseeing sandwiches, salads, and fully prepared entrees and sides.
In this role, you will be instrumental in controlling food and labor costs by leveraging forecasting, inventory management, ordering, and waste reduction strategies, all aimed at achieving the company's financial objectives. Building and sustaining productive vendor relationships are essential, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices. The Executive Chef will uphold strict compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations such as HACCP and allergen protocols, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of customers and staff alike. Additionally, the role involves routine quality assurance tastings and evaluations, guaranteeing recipe adherence and consistency in product quality.
The Executive Chef will utilize kitchen management software and reporting tools daily to monitor inventory, analyze sales, schedule staff, and communicate with the team efficiently. The position requires a hands-on leader with excellent people management skills, capable of fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. This opportunity offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,000 to $80,000 annually, along with quarterly bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, holiday pay, retirement matching, insurance offerings, and employee discounts. If you are passionate about gourmet food and have the leadership and culinary expertise to excel in a fast-paced retail environment, this position at Balducci's Food Lover's Market is an ideal career advancement opportunity.
The role of Executive Chef at Balducci's Food Lover's Market in McLean, VA, is a pivotal leadership position overseeing all kitchen and prepared foods operations. This role requires dynamic leadership, sharp business acumen, and culinary creativity to manage and inspire the culinary team while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. Serving as the executive chef, you will be the visionary guiding the design and execution of seasonal and innovative menus that align with contemporary culinary trends and customer preferences. The position commands accountability for managing food production areas including the hot bar, salad bar, and full-service deli, as well as overseeing sandwiches, salads, and fully prepared entrees and sides.
In this role, you will be instrumental in controlling food and labor costs by leveraging forecasting, inventory management, ordering, and waste reduction strategies, all aimed at achieving the company's financial objectives. Building and sustaining productive vendor relationships are essential, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices. The Executive Chef will uphold strict compliance with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations such as HACCP and allergen protocols, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of customers and staff alike. Additionally, the role involves routine quality assurance tastings and evaluations, guaranteeing recipe adherence and consistency in product quality.
The Executive Chef will utilize kitchen management software and reporting tools daily to monitor inventory, analyze sales, schedule staff, and communicate with the team efficiently. The position requires a hands-on leader with excellent people management skills, capable of fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. This opportunity offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,000 to $80,000 annually, along with quarterly bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, holiday pay, retirement matching, insurance offerings, and employee discounts. If you are passionate about gourmet food and have the leadership and culinary expertise to excel in a fast-paced retail environment, this position at Balducci's Food Lover's Market is an ideal career advancement opportunity.
Job Requirements
- Ability to work an average of 45 hours per week including weekends and holidays as needed
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring frequent bending, stooping, and reaching
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Successful completion of background check
- Compliance with food safety standards and protocols
Job Qualifications
- Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred
- 5-7 years of culinary management experience in grocery, retail food service, catering, or restaurant environment
- Strong knowledge of gourmet and specialty food offerings
- Proven leadership and team development skills in high-volume kitchen operations
- Serv Safe Manager certification or equivalent food safety credential required or ability to obtain
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and kitchen management systems
- Passion for quality ingredients
Job Duties
- Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to front- and back-of-house staff
- Uphold standards in service, quality, safety, and efficiency
- Design and implement seasonal menus and product offerings
- Manage prepared foods and deli departments including hot bar, salad bar, sandwiches, salads, entrees, and sides
- Control food and labor costs through forecasting, inventory management, ordering, and waste reduction
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations including HACCP and allergen protocols
- Conduct routine quality assurance tastings and evaluations
- Utilize kitchen management software and reporting tools for inventory tracking, sales analysis, scheduling, and team communication
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster


Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily

