Executive Head Chef

Shawarma Guys is a vibrant and rapidly growing restaurant specializing in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, with a focus on delivering high-quality shawarma and related menu items. Known for its commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional customer service, Shawarma Guys has cultivated a loyal customer base and a strong presence in the local dining scene. The company prides itself on fostering a dynamic work environment where creativity, leadership, and operational efficiency are highly valued. Shawarma Guys operates multiple locations and emphasizes the importance of consistent food quality, solid operational systems, and a team-oriented culture.

The restaurant is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Executive Chef to join its leadership team. This full-time position is unique in that it follows a structured training and development program prior to promotion, ensuring that the candidate develops a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the restaurant's operations. The role begins as an hourly management trainee with competitive training pay determined based on experience, qualifications, and proven leadership skills. Upon successful demonstration of mastery in culinary standards, operational functions, financial controls, and leadership responsibilities, the candidate will be promoted to an exempt Executive Chef position with an annual salary of $80,000 plus a performance-based bonus program.

The Executive Chef role at Shawarma Guys is not merely about cooking but encompasses complete oversight and accountability of the kitchen and back-of-house operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and inspiring the kitchen staff, mastering production and culinary techniques, managing inventory and vendor relations, enforcing food safety and compliance standards, controlling labor and food costs, and ensuring smooth daily operations. Leadership and team development are core components of the role, including coaching, performance evaluations, conflict resolution, and succession planning.

Promoted Executive Chefs take full ownership of kitchen operations, including scheduling, staffing, budgeting, training, and quality control, while fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and high performance. The restaurant culture prioritizes continuous learning and development, ensuring that team members grow in their careers while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, and customer satisfaction.

Shawarma Guys values leadership earned through demonstrated excellence rather than tenure alone, making this opportunity ideal for chefs who are ready to take on significant responsibility and grow within a high-performing restaurant environment. The company supports its staff with comprehensive use of modern technology platforms like scheduling and inventory systems to enhance operational efficiency. The compensation package rewards performance and accountability, including bonuses that begin after successful advancement and a 90-day evaluation period in the Executive Chef role.

This position requires bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, a Manager's Food Handler Certificate, and a minimum of five years' experience in executive or kitchen management roles. Candidates must be able to commute to Shawarma Guys' location in La Mesa, CA, and work on-site. Benefits include food provided during shifts and an empowering workplace culture where culinary expertise and leadership are rewarded and nurtured.