Kitchen Manager / Chef, San Clemente, CA

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.

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 or willing to relocate

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