Executive Chef - Corporate Dining

REAL Food re-fined.

Executive Chef - Corporate Dining | Location: Phoenix, AZ 85027

Compensation: $70,000-$75,000 annually + 5% bonus potential | Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 5:30am-3pm. Friday no operations, just office work. Can be Sunday instead of Friday, as well.

Job Summary

As the Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary vision and daily kitchen operations for a dynamic corporate dining account, creating exceptional dining experiences through fresh, scratch-made food and genuine hospitality. You'll oversee menu development, food quality, culinary innovation, team leadership, financial performance, and operational excellence while fostering a culture rooted in Thomas Cuisine's commitment to REAL Food. This role is ideal for a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys engaging with guests, and is dedicated to building strong teams, memorable dining experiences, and lasting client partnerships.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
• Develop creative, seasonal menus featuring fresh, scratch-made ingredients and innovative culinary concepts.
• Inspire, coach, and develop culinary team members while promoting a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, labor, and operating expenses to achieve financial and operational goals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and quality standards.
• Partner with clients and on-site leadership to deliver an outstanding dining program that reflects workplace culture and employee preferences.
• Drive guest engagement through menu promotions, special events, chef features, and interactive dining experiences.
• Build strong vendor relationships and maintain high standards for product quality and sustainability.
• Continuously evaluate operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Chef Manager, previous B&I experience a plus.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• ServSafe and/or valid State Food Handler Card as required.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressive culinary leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Chef Manager, Sous Chef, or similar role. 
• Strong commitment to scratch cooking and using fresh, quality ingredients.
• Passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop culinary teams in a high-volume food service environment.
• Experience managing food costs, labor, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen financial performance.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. 
• Creative flair and a passion for culinary innovation.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, frequent use of kitchen equipment and tools, and the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull food products, supplies, and equipment. Team members must be able to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with regular exposure to heat, cold, steam, noise, and moving mechanical parts. The role also requires visual, auditory, and sensory abilities necessary to monitor food quality, ensure safety and sanitation standards, communicate effectively with team members and guests, and oversee daily culinary operations. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our communities.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Paid Holidays

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
• Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are 

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you 

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships