Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

Edison, NJ, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $89,000.00 - $109,000.00

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Monthly bonus

Annual bonus

Paid management training

Referral program

Employee Discounts

Holidays

Job Description

P.F. Chang's is a renowned upscale casual dining restaurant franchise specializing in Asian-themed dishes, blending traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, P.F. Chang's has grown to become a staple in the restaurant industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional dining experiences. The company values its team members and supports career growth in a collaborative and dynamic environment. With a focus on creating meaningful connections through food, family, and celebration, P.F. Chang's provides a workplace culture that fosters passion and purpose among its employees.

The position being offered is for a full-time salaried Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM). The salary range for this role is $89,000 to $109,000 per year, depending on the candidate's experience. This leadership role is central to the operations of the restaurant kitchen, where the Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager will be responsible for overseeing all culinary activities to ensure the highest standards of food quality, preparation, and safety.

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager will lead the restaurant's culinary team, managing hiring, training, development, and day-to-day supervision of the kitchen staff. This role involves responsibility for inventory management, cost control, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. Reporting directly to the restaurant Operating Partner or General Manager, the Executive Chef will drive operational excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where attention to detail and leadership are crucial.

This role requires a hands-on management style, with the Executive Chef actively involved in food preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring timely and consistent food production. The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is also accountable for scheduling work shifts of the culinary team and fostering continuous professional development among staff members. To succeed in this role, candidates must possess strong communication and organizational skills, a deep understanding of culinary operations, and the ability to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

P.F. Chang's emphasizes a supportive work environment offering comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and performance-based bonuses. The company also supports team members through financial assistance programs and exclusive employee discounts. Professional growth is encouraged with paid management training programs and internal promotion opportunities. Candidates with bilingual skills, prior upscale kitchen experience, or culinary certifications are preferred but not required.

Joining P.F. Chang's means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to celebrating life, family, and food. The Executive Chef role is an exciting opportunity for experienced culinary managers seeking a rewarding career with a leading restaurant brand committed to meaningful work and team member success.

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
Strong communication and organizational skills
Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training

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