Executive Head Chef

Shawarma Guys is a renowned fast-casual restaurant located in San Diego, CA, specializing in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly shawarma. With a commitment to delivering high-quality, flavorful food in a fast-paced environment, Shawarma Guys has carved out a solid reputation among local food enthusiasts. The company emphasizes operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and maintaining superior food safety and quality standards throughout its entire culinary process. As a high-volume establishment, it thrives on efficiency, precision, and consistency to meet the demands of its dynamic customer base.

The Executive Chef role at Shawarma Guys is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly to the Owner, COO, and Human Resources. This position commands the highest culinary leadership authority within the kitchen, bearing full accountability for all back-of-house operations. The Executive Chef is not merely a consultant or advisor but a hands-on leader who must be actively present on-site daily. The role requires direct oversight and active participation in managing the culinary team, ensuring quality control, cost management, labor discipline, and adherence to food safety regulations.

Offering an annual salary of $80,000 plus performance-based bonuses post-probation, this position is tailored for experienced chefs who thrive in extremely busy, high-pressure fast-casual or quick-service restaurant settings. The Executive Chef will lead by example, maintaining composure and authority while managing multiple kitchen functions simultaneously. The ability to multitask effectively, enforce strict performance standards, and uphold operational consistency is essential.

Initial employment begins with a probationary training period designed to provide full mastery of Shawarma Guys’ standards, systems, and expectations. During this period, compensation is at an hourly training rate determined upon hire. Successful completion of the probationary phase, based on rigorous performance assessments rather than a fixed timeline, transitions the candidate to full-time exempt status with an annual salary and bonus eligibility.

Key responsibilities include managing food quality and preparation standards, enforcing strict compliance with California Department of Public Health regulations, conducting inventory control, maintaining labor cost efficiencies, and leading hiring and training programs. The Executive Chef serves as a key holder, responsible for opening and closing procedures, securing premises, and acting as the primary liaison between ownership, human resources, and store-level management.

This role also encompasses operational tasks such as managing large catering orders, verifying inventory and vendor deliveries, completing daily operational checklists, and resolving disruptions independently. Candidates must be physically capable of handling the demands of a production kitchen, including lifting up to 50 pounds. Proficiency with digital tools like 7Shifts and Slack for scheduling and communication is required, alongside a valid California Food Handler certification. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are preferred to facilitate effective communication across the team.

Performance bonuses are available based on combined labor and food cost efficiencies, with tiered monthly incentives that reward operational excellence. The Executive Chef must strictly enforce controls to prevent food waste, unauthorized meals, labor violations, and inefficiencies, ensuring that Shawarma Guys maintains its reputation for superior quality and service. This role offers a rare opportunity for culinary leaders seeking a challenging yet rewarding position where leadership, operational mastery, and culinary excellence intersect.