What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Kitchen Manager position at DC Talent Search?
A fast-growing, food hall operator in Southern California is seeking a Kitchen Director to lead culinary operations at a brand-new multi-concept food hall. This is a ground-floor leadership role at a company opening multiple high-profile venues across SoCal — with a clear path to grow as the portfolio expands.
If you're a kitchen-first operator who's ready to stop running someone else's line and start building your own team from scratch — this is your shot.
Location: San Clemente
WHY JOIN US
- Ground floor at a well-funded, rapidly growing company — multiple food hall venues opening across Southern California
- True leadership role — 80% management, 20% hands-on once your team is built
- Uncapped bonus potential — the better you build your team, the more you earn
- Work in a stunning, design-forward venue built by one of SoCal's top architecture firms
- Multi-brand skill development — managing multiple concepts makes you more valuable, faster
- Clear growth path — additional Kitchen Director roles already planned at higher comp as the portfolio scales
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Oversee all culinary operations across multiple proprietary fast casual concepts within a single food hall venue
- Hire, train, and develop your entire kitchen team from the ground up — you build the culture
- Maintain food quality, consistency, and standards across all concepts on every shift
- Partner with the Food Hall GM on day-to-day venue operations
- Work directly with the company's Culinary Director and senior leadership on opening execution
- Develop key hourly leads and promote from within as the team matures
- Own your kitchen's performance — food cost, execution, team development, and guest satisfaction
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- 3 years in kitchen management — KM, Sous Chef, or Chef de Cuisine level
- Experience across multiple cuisines or concepts — seafood, burgers, and healthy fast casual backgrounds are a strong fit
- Builder DNA — energized by opening environments, not intimidated by a blank slate
- Strong tenure — we're building something long-term and need people committed to the ride
- Fast casual, food hall, or high-volume kitchen background strongly preferred
- Southern California local
COMPENSATION
Base Salary
$80,000 – $85,000 | Salaried
Bonus
Quarterly bonus tied to concept performance — begins after 90-day intro period. Uncapped upside as volume grows.
Work Week
~50 hours ongoing after opening period settles
Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $85,000