Chef Manager - San Francisco

Join Our REAL Food Mission!

Kitchen Manager 

Schedule: Sunday–Thursday (45-55 hours per week). Shift flexibility may be needed to meet the needs of the business 

Who We Are Looking For 

This role is for an experienced culinary professional who excels in operational excellence. You’re the type of leader who knows how to keep a team motivated, production running smoothly, and executing quality meals at a consistently high level in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. If you have a passion for process, planning, and performance — and love working in a solution-focused environment — this is for you. 

Your Role and Impact 

We are seeking a strong, hands-on leader to serve as our Kitchen Manager, responsible for driving excellence across all aspects of fresh food production and packaging operations. This role requires an individual who is not only culinary-savvy but also confident in leading teams, supervising kitchen staff, and partnering closely with leadership to execute a high-quality, compliance-driven, and visually appealing fresh food program. 

What You Will Do 

• Provide strong daily leadership and supervision across all commissary operations including menu development, prep, cooking, packaging, and labeling.
• Support and partner with the Food Service Director on team oversight, production planning, and program development, stepping in as a leader when needed.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and performance-driven kitchen culture by mentoring, coaching, and guiding team members.
• Ensure complete compliance in food safety, proper food handling, and adherence to build specs across all fresh food items.
• Lead and continuously improve a high-quality grab-n-go program, emphasizing freshness, shelf life, visual presentation, and smart production timing.
• Accurately forecast and build daily sales pars to reduce waste and avoid stockouts while ensuring food remains fresh and appealing.
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and kitchen organization with a balance of quality control and cost management.
• Develop and execute clear production schedules that optimize team efficiency, timelines, and workflow.
• Manage and quality-check the packaging and labeling process, ensuring consistency, food safety, and consumer appeal.
• Select and adapt meals to suit packaging constraints, prioritizing presentation, portioning, and freshness.
• Own all commissary kitchen systems including cleanliness, equipment care, food safety documentation, and training protocols.
• Demonstrate high-touch, daily leadership presence, being actively involved in operations and always available to guide, assist, and problem-solve with the team.
• Be patient, adaptable, and supportive, able to pivot quickly and calmly as production or operational needs shift.
• Proactively resolve production or logistical challenges with minimal oversight while maintaining open lines of communication.
• Maintain clear and consistent reporting to the District Manager, providing updates, challenges, and production forecasts.
• Lead with accountability and integrity while ensuring the team is motivated, efficient, and aligned with goals and standards. 

What You Will Need 

• 5+ years of culinary experience, preferably in production, catering or commissary settings.
• Strong supervisory background, with the ability to train, direct, and motivate teams toward excellence.
• Deep understanding of food safety, labeling regulations, and compliance procedures.
• Effective communicator and collaborator with a team-oriented mindset. 
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to lead in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.

What’s in It for You

Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Schedule: Sunday–Thursday (45-55 hours per week). Shift flexibility may be needed to meet the needs of the business 
Salary Range: $90,000–$95,000 annually + potential 5% Bonus based on performance.
Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Wellness programs and financial planning support
• Career growth within a respected, award-winning culinary company

Why Thomas Cuisine

At Thomas Cuisine, we do things differently. As a privately held, culinary-focused food service provider, we believe in scratch-made food, real relationships, and taking ownership of our work. In this role, you’ll have the freedom to do things right — without micromanagement, but with full support when needed.

Be part of a purpose-driven company where your impact is real, your autonomy is respected, and your work feeds success every day.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships