Job Description
Description Woodlands Market is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Chef to lead our Food Commissary Kitchen operations. This critical role combines culinary leadership with operational excellence to ensure the successful production and distribution of high-quality prepared foods for our stores and catering services. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovative food creation, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage large-scale food production while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities: Culinary Leadership - Oversee all aspects of menu development and recipe standardization for commissary-produced items, ensuring alignment with Woodlands Market's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
- Develop seasonal, trend-forward recipes while maintaining operational feasibility and cost efficiency.
- Conduct regular tastings and quality checks to ensure the consistency and excellence of all prepared foods.
- Collaborate with store teams to gather feedback on product performance and customer preferences.
Operational Oversight - Manage daily operations of the commissary kitchen, including production scheduling, staff oversight, and workflow optimization.
- Lead production teams to meet deadlines and maintain high-volume efficiency without compromising quality.
- Establish and enforce protocols for food safety, sanitation, and workplace organization (e.g., HACCP compliance).
- Oversee inventory management, ordering, and supplier relationships to ensure the availability of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Team Leadership & Development - Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing culinary and kitchen operations team.
- Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
- Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback through evaluations and coaching.
Financial & Strategic Management - Manage the commissary kitchen's operational budget, including labor, food costs, and equipment.
- Analyze sales data, cost trends, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with the leadership team to develop strategies for expanding production capabilities and product offerings.
Qualifications: - Experience: 5+ years in a leadership role within a commissary kitchen, production facility, or large-scale food service operation. Previous Executive Chef experience preferred.
- Education: Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
- Skills:
- Strong understanding of high-volume food production and culinary techniques.
- Proven ability to manage operational logistics and supply chain relationships.
- Technical proficiency in production management software , as well as Google Workspace (G Suite) , Microsoft Office , and other relevant tools.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
- Proficiency in budget management, cost control, and performance analysis.
- Deep knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance (HACCP certification a plus).
Why Apply For This Role? Woodlands Market is more than just a grocery store; we are a community-centered destination for fresh, innovative, and locally inspired foods. As our Executive Chef, you will have the opportunity to shape the culinary direction of our commissary kitchen while leading a talented team dedicated to crafting exceptional food. Join us and play a pivotal role in delivering the quality and creativity that sets Woodlands Market apart.
Who Are We? Woodlands Market is more than just a grocery store; we are a community-centered destination for fresh, innovative, and locally inspired products. We are a flourishing Marin County-based employer who believes in supporting our community in many ways. One of these ways is to employ talented individuals from within our communities and surrounding areas. We currently operate grocery stores in Kentfield, Tiburon and San Francisco. We also operate a Pet Shop in San Francisco as well as an off-site kitchen in San Rafael. We engage approximately 330 individuals on staff, many of whom have come to us with an in-depth knowledge of the specialty food industry. These members of our extended Woodlands family and their commitment to community, food, service and to each other are what set us apart from other grocery stores.
Who Are We Looking For? At Woodlands Market, we are delighted to be able to share our passion for food and fresh produce with our customers. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are looking to continue your career alongside an awesome team, then join the family!
Benefits of working at Woodlands Market include: - Competitive wages
- Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Insurance*
- Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and paid holidays
- Holiday premium pay for time worked on recognized holidays
- 20% store discount , 50% shift meal discount*
- $40 subsidy towards non-slip shoes every 90 days.
- Awesome, team-oriented environment
- Opportunities for growth and development
*Must meet minimum hours for some benefits/max lunch discount $6.00
Pay Range: $75,000-$95,000
Pay Rate $75,000-$95,000
EOE Statement Woodlands Market provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This is reflected in all Woodlands Market practices and policies regarding hiring, training, promotions, transfers, rates of pay, reduction in force and other forms of compensation. All matters relating to employment are based upon the employees' ability to perform the job, as well as dependability and reliability once hired. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
This position is currently accepting applications. Woodlands Market
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Local area, Shift work,