Culinary Center Chef / San Francisco Bay Area

Join Our REAL Food Mission!

We are looking for a talented and strategic Culinary Center Chef to lead production at our San Francisco Bay Area commissary kitchen. This behind-the-scenes, high-impact role is ideal for a self-motivated chef who thrives on organization, ownership, and culinary excellence—without the front-of-house demands.

Who We Are Looking For

This role is for an experienced culinary professional who excels at managing large-scale food production while maintaining high standards of quality, efficiency, and presentation. You will work independently with full autonomy over your kitchen and schedule. 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

As the Culinary Center Chef, you will be responsible for the planning, production, packaging, and delivery-readiness of meals prepared in our commissary kitchen. You will design rotating menus, lead all ordering and inventory processes, and ensure our clients receive fresh, beautifully presented meals—on time, every time. You will report directly to the District Manager and collaborate with porters and delivery drivers to ensure seamless service.

What You Will Do

• Lead all commissary operations including menu development, prep, and cooking.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and kitchen organization with attention to quality and cost.
• Create detailed production schedules that optimize team time and ensure timely delivery of all meals.
• Work closely with delivery staff and porters to ensure meals are correctly packaged and labeled.
• Select and adapt meals to packaging options — thinking strategically about container presentation, portioning, and food safety.
• Own all kitchen systems including cleanliness, equipment maintenance, food safety compliance, and documentation.
• Meet budget expectations through smart purchasing and financial oversight.
• Solve production or logistical issues proactively and with minimal direction.
• Maintain communication with the District Manager, providing updates and forecasts as needed.

What You Will Need

• 5+ years of culinary experience, preferably in production, catering or commissary settings.
• Proven leadership experience in an independent chef role or high-volume kitchen.
• Strong menu creation, batch cooking, and organizational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety protocols, labeling, and storage procedures.
• Ability to manage time and multiple deadlines in a high-autonomy role.
• Experience managing kitchen costs, ordering, and vendor communication.
• Ability to think logistically and adapt meals to different packaging formats.
• ServSafe Certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Tech-savvy and confident in using basic inventory and production tracking tools.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

What’s in It for You

Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Schedule: Sunday–Thursday afternoons/evenings 1pm-9pm (start between 12pm–2pm as needed). Friday & Saturday off.
Salary Range: $90,000–$100,000 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