Executive Chef

Woodlands Market • San Rafael, CA

5d • $75,000 - $100,000

About The Position

For more than 40 years, Woodlands Market has been a cornerstone of Northern California food culture, celebrated for exceptional quality, deep relationships with makers and farmers, and a relentless commitment to doing things the right way. Today, Woodlands is entering an exciting new chapter of growth. We are investing deeply in elevating our prepared foods and culinary programs…pushing beyond great grocery to build something truly craveable, innovative, and destination-worthy. This role is a rare opportunity to help shape what’s next: evolving our food program, developing standout products, and creating food experiences that customers seek out and talk about. Based in beautiful Marin County, this position is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity and scale, someone energized by building systems, inspiring teams, and turning bold ideas into consistently excellent food across multiple stores. You’ll have the runway, support, and trust to innovate, while working within a company that values craft, quality, and long-term thinking. If you’re excited by growth, product innovation, and the chance to leave a real imprint on a beloved, values-driven specialty grocer, this is that moment. Position Overview: Woodlands Market is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Chef to lead our Food Commissary Kitchen operations. This critical role combines culinary leadership with operational excellence to ensure the successful production and distribution of high-quality prepared foods for our stores and catering services. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovative food creation, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage large-scale food production while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency.

Requirements

• 5+ years in a leadership role within a commissary kitchen, production facility, Catering kitchen or large-scale food service operation.
• Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of high-volume food production and culinary techniques.
• Proven ability to manage operational logistics and supply chain relationships.
• Technical proficiency in production management software, as well as Google Workspace (G Suite), Microsoft Office, and other relevant tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in budget management, cost control, and performance analysis.
• Deep knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance (HACCP certification a plus).

Nice To Haves

• Previous Executive Chef experience preferred.
• HACCP certification a plus

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of menu development and recipe standardization for commissary-produced items, ensuring alignment with Woodlands Market’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
• With guidance from the SVP of Culinary, develop seasonal, trend-forward recipes while maintaining operational feasibility and cost efficiency.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks to ensure the consistency and excellence of all prepared foods.
• Collaborate with store teams to gather feedback on product performance and customer preferences.
• Manage daily operations of the commissary kitchen, including production scheduling, staff oversight, and workflow optimization.
• Lead production teams to meet deadlines and maintain high-volume efficiency without compromising quality.
• Establish and enforce protocols for food safety, sanitation, and workplace organization (e.g., HACCP compliance).
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and supplier relationships to ensure the availability of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing culinary and kitchen operations team.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback through evaluations and coaching.
• Manage the commissary kitchen’s operational budget, including labor, food costs, and equipment.
• Analyze sales data, cost trends, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to develop strategies for expanding production capabilities and product offerings.

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Full-time employees receive a generous benefits package including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and paid holidays
• Holiday premium pay for time worked on recognized holidays
• 35% employee store discount
• $50 subsidy towards non-slip shoes every 6 months.
• Awesome, team-oriented environment
• Opportunities for growth and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree