Corporate Dining Executive Chef

Thomas Cuisine; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Thomas Cuisine as a Corporate Dining Executive Chef and make a meaningful impact through innovative culinary leadership. In this role, you will support our real food mission across corporate dining and educational environments, ensuring high standards and vibrant cuisine. You will also enhance food quality and mentor kitchen teams while representing our values at various client engagements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off (PTO)

Performance bonus potential

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of culinary experience in corporate dining, hospitality, or restaurant.
• Experienced in managing food costs and multi-unit food service operations.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive culinary standardization across operations.
• Conduct culinary training and mentor kitchen staff.
• Engage with clients and represent the company in dining experiences.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership

Public speaking

Presentation skills

Cost management

Education

Formal education from an accredited culinary school

Job description

Corporate Dining Executive Chef
Join our REAL Food mission and lead with purpose! Bring your creativity, passion, and leadership to our corporate dining and education segments where fresh, inspired cuisine makes a daily impact. Be part of a culinary team that values scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, and an elevated food experience.

Your Role and Impact

We are seeking a passionate, highly skilled Corporate Dining Executive Chef to support our Business & Industry (B&I) and Schools verticals at Thomas Cuisine. This role will play a critical part in upholding and advancing our Real Food Mission, bringing standardization to our operations without compromising culinary creativity or quality. The ideal candidate is an inspiring culinary leader who can energize teams, deliver exceptional food experiences, and uphold high standards in both corporate dining and educational environments. This is a highly visible role requiring frequent travel and a strong presence in kitchens, boardrooms, and client-facing events.

• Drive culinary standardization across B&I and Schools, ensuring consistency and quality while respecting the uniqueness of each operation and culinary team.
• Enhance food quality, control costs, and inspire creativity across menus through collaboration with culinary teams.
• Conduct hands-on culinary training, mentoring chefs and kitchen staff to elevate skills, techniques, and food quality.
• Support the Sales team with presentations, tastings, and client engagements, representing our culinary excellence and Real Food values.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to maintain operational efficiency and innovate within the food program.
• Champion food cost management strategies without sacrificing ingredient quality or guest experience.
• Engage with clients, internal stakeholders, and culinary teams to demonstrate executive presence.
• Share expertise, build trust, and align food programs with client and company goals as a culinary ambassador.
• Design and implement new culinary operating models to keep the company competitive and responsive to client needs.
• Assist with culinary planning, team training, and on-site execution during new account launches.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years of culinary experience in corporate dining, hospitality, or restaurant environments.
• Formal education from an accredited culinary school is required.
• Proven leadership in multi-unit food service operations, with skills in managing food costs, procurement, and kitchen labor.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills; capable of leading demos and training sessions.
• Ability to command a room and establish credibility with executives, clients, and staff.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, client-focused environments with multiple priorities.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (50%-70%) across regions; residing near a major metropolitan airport preferred.
• Preferred: experience in retail food operations, commissary kitchens, or culinary branding.

About Thomas Cuisine

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company committed to whole foods, scratch-made cuisine, and a mission of real food, genuine service, and enduring relationships.

Join Us

• Make a Difference: Support wellbeing and student success through REAL food.
• Innovation-Friendly: Collaborate on trend-forward menus and programs.
• Growth-Focused: Thrive in a company that promotes leadership development.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k) match, and more.

Compensation

Annual Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000, plus performance bonus potential.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Stand, walk, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Work primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor exposure.
• Moderate noise levels; kitchen hazards present.
• Frequent hand washing and sanitation protocols required.

Our Commitment to You

We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, fostering a workplace where all voices are valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.