Executive Head Chef

Shawarma Guys is a dynamic, fast-paced food service company recognized for its authentic and high-quality Middle Eastern cuisine, with a particular emphasis on shawarma dishes. At the forefront of this brand is the South Park Food Truck, one of the highest-volume operations within the company. This unique setup operates unlike a traditional restaurant, functioning in a compact and mobile kitchen environment which demands a high level of organization, precision, and adaptability. The South Park Food Truck has established itself as a beloved culinary destination, offering customers quick, delicious meals crafted with exceptional attention to quality and service. As a rapidly growing food business, Shawarma Guys values strong leadership, innovation in food preparation, and commitment to operational excellence. The company champions a culture of team ownership, professional growth, and adherence to high cleanliness and food safety standards. Employment with Shawarma Guys includes a structured operational framework backed by fair compensation and opportunities for leadership advancement. This full-time role offers compensation up to $80,000 per year after a training and development period, during which the candidate is employed hourly while mastering all necessary operational skills.

The Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager role at the South Park Food Truck is a pivotal leadership position requiring a dedicated individual who thrives in a fast-moving, confined kitchen environment. This role demands a leader who can inspire and manage a small, close-knit team through efficient delegation, effective communication, and unyielding commitment to food quality and operational standards. Unlike a traditional kitchen, the food truck mandates a swift pace, compact spatial navigation, and multitasking under pressure. The position involves overseeing all facets of the kitchen’s daily operations—ranging from food preparation, inventory and ordering, cleanliness, staff scheduling, labor management, to ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The role also incorporates the use of modern technological tools for scheduling, point of sale, inventory management, and team communication.

Candidates begin their journey in this role through a rigorous, performance-based Management Training Program that emphasizes learning by doing rather than time-based progress. During training, candidates develop skills such as opening and closing procedures, food preparation methodologies including shawarma stack cooking, portion control and quality assurance, leadership capabilities including team development and conflict resolution, and operational management like cost control and catering execution. Successful candidates then transition into the Executive Chef role where they take full responsibility for the South Park Food Truck’s operational success and team leadership, embodying ownership mentality. This includes managing labor goals, vendor relations, health department compliance, and maintaining a positive, motivated kitchen environment.

The job requires approximately 60 to 70 hours per week, acknowledging the realities of staff shortages and business demands that often necessitate longer shifts. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in executive chef or kitchen management roles, be bilingual in English and Spanish, and hold a Manager's Food Handler Certificate. The role necessitates a proactive attitude, resilience under pressure, strong organizational skills, and a genuine passion for both leadership and culinary excellence. Shawarma Guys offers a competitive salary, performance bonus opportunities, and the benefit of provided food during shifts, aligning with the company’s commitment to rewarding dedicated talent.

This is an in-person role that demands hands-on leadership, operational mastery, and the ability to innovate and maintain high standards in a unique food truck kitchen environment. Successful candidates will have the chance to lead one of the company’s busiest locations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer experiences and operational efficiency in a compact, high-volume setting.