Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
Posted on October 24, 2025
P.F. Chang's is a renowned name in the casual dining sector, known for delivering exceptional Asian-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Established as a leading restaurant chain, P.F. Chang's combines high-quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and a vibrant atmosphere to provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. With multiple locations across the United States and globally, this organization has built a strong reputation for excellence in customer service and culinary innovation. Known not only for its delectable menu offerings but also for a work environment that values growth, diversity, and collaboration, P.F. Chang's is dedicated to celebrating life, family, and food. The company offers comprehensive employment opportunities, including full-time salaried positions with competitive pay scales, designed to attract top talent in the culinary industry. The pay range for the Executive Chef or Head Chef role varies between $71,250 and $90,250 per year, based on experience and qualifications.
The Executive Chef or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM) role at P.F. Chang's is a dynamic and demanding position critical to the overall success of restaurant operations. This leadership role involves managing the culinary team to ensure the highest operational standards, including the hiring, training, and ongoing development of kitchen staff while maintaining strict control over inventory, food quality, and food costs. The role demands a committed individual who is well-versed in kitchen management, food safety, and quality control, capable of working under fast-paced, high-volume conditions typical in the restaurant hospitality industry. The Executive Chef or Head Chef reports directly to the Operating Partner or General Manager, playing a vital role in aligning culinary operations with the company’s standards and vision.
Beyond operational duties, the position emphasizes professional development, teamwork, and performance management, providing opportunities to cultivate future leaders within the culinary team through continuous training and evaluation. The role requires strong communication and organizational skills, physical stamina to perform the demanding tasks involved, and the ability to create a safe and motivating environment for both team members and guests. P.F. Chang's commitment to promoting from within means this role also serves as a stepping stone for career advancement in restaurant management and culinary leadership. The restaurant offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off, performance incentives, referral bonuses, exclusive employee discounts, holiday closures, and community support programs — reflecting the company’s dedication to employee well-being and satisfaction.
                - 3+ years of culinary management experience with experience managing and writing prep lists
 - Must possess a valid driver's license to perform occasional duties such as providing shift coverage, meeting liquor license requirements depending on the state, delivering large catering orders which may include operating a rental truck, making supply runs, local restaurant marketing, attending offsite training and business meetings, and traveling between restaurant locations to support operations
 - Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
 - Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
 - Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
 - Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training
 - Strong communication and organizational skills
 - Must be able to stand and walk for periods of eight to ten hours in length each shift
 - Must be able to reach, bend, balance and transport various objects weighing up to 30 lbs repeatedly during a shift
 - At times it might be necessary to lift up to 50 lbs
 - Must be able to work around various levels of temperature, including warm to very warm temperatures in the kitchen