Culinary Field Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Job 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.