Executive Chef (Multi-Unit Culinary Leader)

Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe

Executive Chef (Multi-Unit Culinary Leader)

Arlington, VA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Title: Executive Chef (Multi-Unit Culinary Leader) **
    Location:** Northern Virginia + Washington, DC Area Cafes; Tysons Bakery **
    Job Type:** Full-Time | Performance-Based Compensation **
    Compensation:** $70,000–$90,000 base + bonus (OTE $80K–$110K)

    **
    Position Overview**
    We're looking for an Executive Chef to own culinary execution across multiple café locations and our commissary operation. This is not a “stay in the kitchen all day” role—this is a field leader, systems builder, and standards enforcer. You will be responsible for food quality, consistency, cost control, team development, and menu innovation across all units. You will work directly with ownership and Restaurant Managers to translate vision into scalable execution. **
    Bottom line:** if it's coming out of the kitchen, you own it.

    **
    Core Responsibilities**
    Multi-Unit Culinary Leadership
    Oversee all food production across cafés and commissary
    Oversee all food production in support of Catering execution
    Ensure absolute consistency in recipes, presentation, and quality
    Conduct regular site visits and audits (daily/weekly cadence)
    Act as the culinary standard-bearer across the organization
    Own kitchen execution: you fill the gaps when neededGood Company Doughnuts & Café Ballston Café / National Landing Café ** _

    Systems & Process Development_**
    Build and document SOPs for all kitchen operations
    Standardize recipes, yields, prep processes, and plating
    Implement production systems that scale with growth
    Partner with operations to align kitchen flow with service demands

    **
    Food Cost & Financial Performance**
    Own COGS targets (Restaurant 365 Accounting System & Inventory)
    Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory standards
    Drive waste reduction and portion control discipline
    Collaborate with finance on margin optimization

    **
    Menu Development & Innovation**
    Lead seasonal menu updates and product development
    Collaborate with Beverage and Pastry Directors to ensure menu alignment
    Collaborate with Marketing Team to facilitate promotions and content generation
    Balance creativity with operational simplicity and scalability
    Maintain brand integrity while evolving offerings
    Support LTOs, catering menus, and retail product expansion

    ** Commissary & Production Oversight**
    Manage centralized production for food preparation items
    Optimize production planning and distribution to cafés
    Ensure food safety, labeling, and compliance standards
    Improve throughput without sacrificing quality

    **
    Team Leadership & Development**
    Hire, train, and develop kitchen leaders (Chefs, Kitchen Managers)
    Build a culture of discipline, pride, and accountability
    Implement clear performance expectations and coaching systems
    Coordinate activities with senior leadership, Restaurant and Kitchen Management
    Communicate professionally and in accordance with Company Team Norms
    Identify and develop future leaders

    ** Food Safety & Compliance**
    Enforce all health department and food safety standards are exceeded
    Ensure all Kitchen licensing and certifications are current
    Lead audits, inspections, and corrective actions (BOH Quality Control Plan)
    Ensure staff adhere to Company policies
    Maintain production and waste records
    Maintain best-in-class cleanliness and organization

    ** What Success Looks Like**
    Guests experience the same product, every time, at every location
    Kitchens run clean, tight, and efficient—no chaos
    Food cost is controlled and predictable
    New locations open smoothly with plug-and-play systems
    Team leaders are developed, Kitchen Managers capable of independent operations
    Innovation happens via a managed process without breaking operations

    ** Qualifications**
    7–10+ years culinary leadership experience
    Proven success in multi-unit and or commissary-driven concepts
    Strong background in high-volume production environments
    Experience and proficiency with Restaurant 365
    Experience with full-service, café, and fast-casual concepts preferred
    Demonstrated culinary excellence; you must be a great cook, not just a manager
    Deep understanding of food cost, labor efficiency, and kitchen systems
    Demonstrated ability to build and scale processes—not just execute them
    ServSafe (or equivalent) certification required

    ** Leadership Profile**
    Operator first – you understand the grind and respect it
    Standards-driven – you don't tolerate “close enough”
    Builder – you create systems that last
    Coach – you develop people and the team
    Calm under pressure – no drama, just solutions; quiet professional
    Ownership mindset – you think like it's your business

    ** Compensation & Structure**
    Competitive base salary (applicant based): $70,000 - $90,000
    Performance-based bonus tied to:
    o Food cost targets
    o Quality scores / audits
    o Unit performance
    Growth path to VP of Culinary / Culinary Director
    Competitive benefits package (health, 401k, PTO etc.)

    Why This Role Matters
    We're scaling. Fast.
    The right culinary leadership will ensure quality and cost control while nurturing a high performing, winning culture. This role is the backbone of operational excellence. You won't just run kitchens—you'll build the system that develops the team and enables Company growth