Chef Manager - Santa Clara Market

Bon Appetit Salary: $85,000 - $90,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people! Job Summary Santa Clara Market is seeking an experienced Chef Manager to lead our culinary operation with a strong focus on menu innovation, operational excellence, and an exceptional guest experience. We're looking for a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced restaurant environment, enjoys developing seasonal menus, and is passionate about coaching teams while delivering high‑quality food. Key Responsibilities Lead all daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and execution. Develop and refresh menus that align with guest preferences, seasonal ingredients, and business objectives. Manage inventory, purchasing, ordering, receiving, and food cost controls to achieve financial goals. Oversee scheduling, staffing, training, and development of culinary team members. Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards. Monitor labor costs, productivity, and overall kitchen performance. Utilize menu management systems, including CM+ or similar menu‑building platforms, to develop recipes, menus, and production documentation. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, and outstanding customer service. Support sustainability initiatives through responsible sourcing and minimizing food waste. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years of Chef Manager or culinary management experience in a high‑volume restaurant, market, or food service environment. Culinary degree or Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or a related field preferred; relevant experience will be considered. Demonstrated experience with menu development, recipe creation, and seasonal menu planning. Experience leading teams in fast‑paced restaurant operations. Strong knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory management, and budget accountability. Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety regulations. Experience using CM+ or a comparable menu management platform preferred. ServSafe Certification preferred. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with a passion for developing others and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA. Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits. Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance/ AD Disability Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state) Associate Shopping Program Health and Wellness Programs Discount Marketplace Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Commuter Benefits Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Paid Parental Leave Personal Leave Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Bon Appetit maintains a drug‑free workplace. Bon Appetit Allison Murphy #J-18808-Ljbffr Bon Appétit Management Company