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Executive Chef - Korean Culinary Specialist

Guckenheimer
San Jose, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/12/2026 CLOSED ON 8/9/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Chef - Korean Culinary Specialist position at Guckenheimer?

Executive Chef – Korean Culinary Specialist


Bring Authentic Korean Cuisine to Life with Guckenheimer


Do you have a passion for authentic Korean cuisine, culinary innovation, and creating memorable dining experiences? Guckenheimer, a premier hospitality brand within ISS, is looking for an exceptional Executive Chef – Korean Culinary Specialist to lead our culinary team and elevate the dining experience through authentic Korean flavors, modern presentation, and operational excellence.


If you're an experienced culinary leader with expertise in traditional and contemporary Korean cuisine, thrive in a fast-paced corporate dining environment, and are passionate about mentoring culinary teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences—we want to hear from you.


Why Guckenheimer?

At Guckenheimer, food is more than a meal—it creates connection, inspires innovation, and builds community. We combine culinary excellence with hospitality to deliver extraordinary workplace dining experiences for some of the world's leading organizations.

Join a company where your creativity, culture, and culinary expertise are celebrated.


What You'll Do

As the Executive Chef – Korean Culinary Specialist, you will oversee all Back-of-House culinary operations while serving as the subject matter expert for Korean cuisine across campus dining operations.


You'll lead culinary excellence by:


Authentic Korean Culinary Leadership

  • Design authentic and modern Korean menus featuring regional specialties and seasonal ingredients
  • Develop traditional and contemporary Korean recipes using Guckenheimer's NetMenu platform
  • Showcase Korean culinary techniques including fermentation, grilling, braising, and traditional preparation methods
  • Create exceptional dining experiences featuring dishes such as Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, Kimchi, Korean BBQ, Tteokbokki, Sundubu, and other regional specialties
  • Introduce innovative, plant-forward Korean menu concepts aligned with client expectations


Operational Excellence

  • Lead all Back-of-House culinary operations across multiple cafés
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Maintain food safety, HACCP, ServSafe, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
  • Manage production planning, inventory, procurement, and cost controls
  • Support seasonal menu planning with at least two weeks of menus available in NetMenu


Leadership & Team Development

  • Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop culinary professionals
  • Lead culinary training and validation programs
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Partner with the General Manager to achieve operational and financial goals


Financial & Business Management

  • Manage food, labor, and operating costs
  • Support procurement compliance and inventory accuracy
  • Maintain procurement integrity and KPI performance
  • Deliver successful catered events while meeting operational and financial expectations


Success Looks Like

✔ Authentic Korean cuisine that delights guests

✔ Exceptional food quality and presentation

✔ Outstanding food safety and HACCP compliance

✔ Strong audit performance

✔ Efficient kitchen operations

✔ Financial stewardship and budget management

✔ High-performing, engaged culinary teams

✔ Memorable hospitality experiences every day


We're Looking For Someone Who Has


Required Qualifications

  • Significant Executive Chef leadership experience
  • Extensive expertise in authentic Korean cuisine
  • Experience leading high-volume restaurant, hotel, or corporate dining operations
  • Strong knowledge of Korean ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and regional specialties
  • Exceptional leadership and team development skills
  • Strong financial and operational management experience
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities
  • Passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction
  • ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)


Preferred Qualifications

  • Culinary degree from an accredited institution
  • Experience in corporate dining or hospitality
  • Experience developing culturally authentic menus
  • Familiarity with menu management systems such as NetMenu
  • Korean language skills are a plus but not required


What You'll Bring

  • Passion for Korean culinary traditions
  • Creativity and menu innovation
  • Leadership with integrity
  • Positive, collaborative attitude
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Commitment to food safety and operational excellence
  • Guest-first mindset


Physical Requirements

  • Lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Stand for extended periods
  • Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
  • Maintain professional appearance in accordance with company standards


Why You'll Love Working Here


At Guckenheimer, you'll have the opportunity to:


🍽 Showcase authentic Korean cuisine

🌏 Share your culinary heritage with diverse guests

👨 🍳 Lead and inspire talented culinary teams

📈 Grow your leadership career

💡 Innovate with seasonal and culturally inspired menus

🤝 Be part of an organization that values hospitality, quality, and people


Join Guckenheimer

If you're ready to lead with passion, celebrate Korean culinary excellence, and create unforgettable dining experiences, we'd love to meet you.


Apply today and bring the vibrant flavors of Korea to the workplace.


Guckenheimer — Great Food. Great Hospitality. Great People.


HSEQ Compliance

All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.


To Executive Search Firms and Staffing Agencies: ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer property, and ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to Hiring Managers without contacting the ISS Facility Services / Guckenheimer Human Resources Talent Acquisition Department.


As a global organization, Guckenheimer/ISS is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We encourage diversity and inclusion in their broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, culture, and educational background. We strive to lead our industry by example and positively influence the communities in which we operate.


Salary : $110,000 - $120,000

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