Culinary Field Chef
3 months ago
Bakersfield
Job DescriptionJob Title: Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations. This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives. The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations. Key Responsibilities: • Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.), • Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service, • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles, • Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs, • Support product development and assist with implementation in the field, • Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality, • Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations, • Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals Operational Responsibilities: • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards, • Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting, • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency, • Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution, • Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials, • Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed Food Quality & Compliance: • Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards, • Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures, • Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices, • Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency Customer Service & Experience: • Deliver and model Vallarta’s Nuestra CASA service standards, • Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution, • Address customer feedback professionally and promptly Team Leadership & Development: • Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams, • Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards, • Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs Collaboration & Communication: • Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned., • Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges., • Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service. Safety: • Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use, • Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions, • Ensure adherence to company policies and standards Other Duties: • Support all current and future culinary programs, • Perform other duties as assigned Required Education and Experience: • Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership, • Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development, • Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred, • Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls, • Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment, • High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred, • Equivalent experience may be considered Working Conditions: • Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment, • Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.), • Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment, • Moderate to loud noise levels Position Type/Expected Hours of Work This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.