Job Details

REAL Food re-fined.

Commissary Executive Chef | Location: Meridian, ID 83642

Compensation: $95,000-$105,000 annually + 5% bonus eligibility| Full-Time

Schedule: 40-50 hours/week

Job Summary

As the corporate Commissary Executive Chef, you will lead a centralized culinary operation responsible for producing high-quality, scratch-made food that supports multiple locations. This role is equal parts culinary leadership, operational strategy, and systems thinking.You'll oversee high-volume production, recipe standardization, menu scalability, food safety, and team development-ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency from the commissary to each receiving site. This position brings our Vision to life by Providing Real Food and Genuine Service while building Enduring Relationships, at scale.

What You'll Do

• Lead the culinary vision and execution for a centralized commissary kitchen supporting multiple accounts or communities.
• Design and standardize scalable, scratch-cooked menus and recipes that maintain quality, nutrition, and consistency across locations.
• Ensure menus meet diverse dietary needs, including medical and therapeutic requirements, while remaining operationally feasible for high-volume production and distribution.
• Oversee daily commissary operations, including production planning, batch cooking, workflow optimization, and food safety compliance.
• Partner closely with operations and logistics teams to align production schedules with delivery timelines and service needs.
• Establish, document, and maintain culinary standards, recipes, portioning guides, and SOPs to support consistency across all sites.
• Lead, coach, and develop commissary culinary teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Create and implement training programs for both commissary and field teams to ensure proper finishing, reheating, and presentation standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement strategies to ensure a reliable supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients while controlling costs.
• Collaborate with finance and operations partners to develop and manage food, labor, and production budgets.
• Monitor food cost, yield, waste, and labor efficiency, using data to drive continuous operational improvements.
• Stay current on industry trends, production best practices, and food safety regulations, sharing insights across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of corporate culinary and operational objectives.

What You Will Bring

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Commissary Chef, or Chef Manager in a high-volume, multi-site, or centralized production environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive culinary leadership experience, with demonstrated success in large-batch production and operational scale.
• Strong commitment to scratch cooking using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Deep understanding of recipe standardization, food safety, production systems, and logistics-driven foodservice.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Strategic mindset with strong operational and financial acumen.
• Passion for culinary excellence, consistency, and innovation at scale.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Baby Bonding Leave
  • Paid Elder Care Leave
  • Paid Time Off (Accrued)
  • Paid Holidays

Health & Wellness

• • 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
  • Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
  • Voluntary HSA with Company Match
  • Voluntary FSA
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
  • Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• • A supportive, collaborative work environment
  • Opportunities for growth

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.