Executive Chef: Creative, High-Volume Dining & Catering

Restaurant Associates; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD&D

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Restaurant Associates in San Jose is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for a new account, overseeing café operations, executive dining, catering, retail food services, and pantry programs.

You will develop seasonal menus, mentor a diverse team, and drive excellence in food and service while partnering with operations and marketing to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This role demands leadership, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations in high-volume environments.
• Culinary degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Knowledge of menu development, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Experience managing food and labor budgets and cost-control strategies.
• Ability to collaborate with clients, guests, and teams.
• Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence.
• Three+ years of culinary leadership experience.
• ServSafe Certification or similar credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations across café, dining, catering, retail, and pantry.
• Develop seasonal menus delivering quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction.
• Partner with operations and marketing to roll out new culinary programs.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and support diverse culinary staff.
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory management, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and workplace safety standards.
• Support catering events with hospitality and presentation.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Budget management

Team mentoring

Guest hospitality

Culinary operations

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Restaurant Associates in San Jose is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for a new account, overseeing café operations, executive dining, catering, retail food services, and pantry programs.

You will develop seasonal menus, mentor a diverse team, and drive excellence in food and service while partnering with operations and marketing to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This role demands leadership, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality.