PAGU - Chef de Cuisine/Executive Chef

PAGU is a distinguished Michelin-awarded Japanese tapas restaurant nestled in the vibrant area between Central Square and MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Renowned for its innovative culinary approach, PAGU is led by the acclaimed three-time James Beard semifinalist Chef and Owner, Tracy Chang. The restaurant uniquely blends Japanese and Spanish cooking techniques to celebrate local ingredients, offering an exceptional dining experience that honors quality and creativity. Beyond its exquisite culinary offerings, PAGU extends its passion for food and community through various initiatives such as cooking classes, special events, and collaborations with local organizations. This approach solidifies PAGU's reputation as a hub for thoughtful hospitality, continuous learning, and meaningful collaboration. The company prides itself on fostering a workplace culture grounded in empathy, dedication, and joy, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. PAGU's guiding values revolve around caring profoundly for its team, guests, and community, which are reflected in its service standards and the active involvement in nonprofit efforts and community engagements.

The role of Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef at PAGU is an exceptional leadership opportunity for an experienced culinary professional passionate about Japanese and Spanish cuisine and committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative kitchen environment. This full-time position offers a competitive salary starting at $90,000 plus bonuses, reflecting the candidate's experience and expertise. The successful candidate will lead the culinary team with a focus on training, coaching, and developing talent while overseeing daily operations to ensure seamless service and quality. Responsibilities include managing inventory, procurement, food costing, and pricing, as well as maintaining high standards for food preparation, presentation, and kitchen cleanliness. The role requires strong operational skills, including opening and closing procedures, managing service flow, coordinating private dining and special events, and equipment maintenance. The Chef de Cuisine will also be responsible for compliance with health and safety regulations, recipe development, allergy management, and team education to uphold the highest culinary standards. Beyond the kitchen, this leader will cultivate lasting guest relationships and engage in community outreach, helping to strengthen PAGU's connection to its local demographic. Administrative duties also encompass labor management, revenue tracking, and the efficient use of digital tools such as Google Suite, Toast, Resy, Tripleseat, Stripe, Shopify, and DoorDash. Certifications including ServSafe and Choke Saver are essential for ensuring operational safety and compliance. PAGU offers attractive benefits such as two weeks of paid vacation and paid stages at other restaurants, supporting continued professional growth and work-life balance. Located at 310 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, PAGU is easily accessible via public transit including Central and Kendall Square T stops and multiple bus lines, providing both convenience and connectivity for its team members.