Full Time - UTK Chef De Cuisine

Aztec Shops Ltd. is a prominent food service and retail company affiliated with San Diego State University (SDSU). Established to provide exceptional dining and retail experiences to students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Aztec Shops has a strong commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Known for its diverse range of food operations, including cash-operated units and residential dining services, the company places a premium on innovative culinary approaches, effective management, and sustainable practices. It fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace culture that values diversity and equal opportunity for all employees. Aztec Shops supports professional growth and development while offering competitive compensation and benefits to attract and retain talented individuals dedicated to excellent service and operations.

The role of Chef De Cuisine at Aztec Shops Ltd. is a full-time leadership position based in a high-volume, multi-unit food service environment. This position commands the oversight and management of up to three Sous Chefs and between 2 to 60 employees, depending on the unit's needs. The Chef De Cuisine is responsible for the daily production and preparation of food across cash operations and residential dining facilities, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with all safety and regulatory standards. The position handles a broad spectrum of supervisory duties including menu development, kitchen product ordering, inventory control, and food production management. Additionally, the Chef De Cuisine actively participates in employee recruitment, hiring, and training, while also managing staff performance through appraisals, coaching, and disciplinary actions as necessary.

Further duties include financial planning such as budgeting and forecasting for kitchen projects, maintaining effective staff communication through meetings and work assignment direction, and ensuring regulatory compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards. The position requires someone knowledgeable in current food trends, cooking methods, and ingredient seasonality as well as skilled in resolving customer complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels. The Chef De Cuisine also plays a critical role in upholding the company’s policies and ensuring operations align with federal, state, and local laws, emphasizing safety and fair employment practices.

To succeed in this role, candidates must hold at minimum an Associate's degree from an accredited institution in Business, Hotel/Restaurant Management, or Culinary Arts, with a Bachelor's degree preferred. A minimum of four years' experience in high-volume food service and at least two years in supervisory roles are essential, alongside excellent communication, computer literacy, mathematical and financial skills, and demonstrated leadership capabilities. Possession of a Food Handler's certificate from San Diego County is highly desirable. Physical endurance is necessary to handle food service equipment and meet the physical demands of the role, with flexibility to work varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Aztec Shops Ltd. takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that respects all individuals irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. The company complies rigorously with all equal opportunity legislation and incorporates fair hiring and employment practices. A comprehensive background check is conducted post-offer to safeguard workplace integrity. This position offers competitive pay ranging from $33 to $38 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Aztec Shops Ltd. invites qualified candidates who are passionate about culinary excellence and leadership to apply and join a company committed to superior food service and community engagement.