Executive Chef
The Executive Chef manages all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistent service standards, and high guest satisfaction at Kadena Air Base.
The Executive Chef is responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistent service standards, and high guest satisfaction. This role requires a blend of culinary creativity and operational efficiency to lead the culinary team effectively.
Reports directly to the Business Operations Flight Chief.
Develops, plans, and executes culinary strategies aligned with organizational goals and brand identity.
Leads menu development and innovation, ensuring offerings remain current with market trends and exceed customer expectations.
Collaborates with suppliers and vendors to source premium ingredients, optimize procurement processes, and maintain the highest standards of culinary quality and brand integrity.
Provides mentorship and guidance to culinary teams, fostering professional growth and a positive and productive work environment.
Oversees food quality, presentation, and safety, ensuring consistent excellence across all locations.
Implements and maintains rigorous standards in accordance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
Manages food costs, budgets, and revenue strategies to optimize profitability while maintaining superior culinary quality and service.
Keeps informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to enhance kitchen efficiency and culinary creativity.
Ensures compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations to protect both staff and guests.
Develops, plans, and executes for high-profile catering events, such as the Air Force Birthday Ball Celebration, including menu development, budgeting, procurement, cost analysis, staff training, and seamless on-site execution.
Assist operations managers and culinary teams with daily food production and the development of cyclical menus featuring current food trends and seasonal ingredients.
Provides recommendations for cost control measures and optimizes the cost of goods across multiple operations to enhance profitability and efficiency.
Oversees sanitation procedures for all food service outlets, including mobile units, ensuring compliance with all health and safety standards.
Reviews sanitation reports from the U.S. Department of Army and U.S. Air Force and implements necessary corrective actions.
Contributes to marketing and communication strategies, often serving as a spokesperson for special projects, events, and promotions.
Leads product innovation and remains current on emerging food and flavor trends to maintain a competitive edge.
Serves as the primary point of contact for the Prime Vendor Program, managing product selection, inventory levels, substitutions, and new product introductions.
Equips culinary teams with the necessary tools, training, and guidance to achieve operational excellence.
Ensures adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and fosters a harassment-free work environment.
Performs other duties as assigned to support organizational goals.
Requirements
Who May Apply
Open to everyone. Applicants will be categorized by preference(s) and/or priority consideration eligibilities. An applicant's eligibility will be determined based on eligibility claimed in the questionnaire and proof of eligibility MUST be provided with application by the closing date, 05/12/2026.
The Area of Consideration for this vacancy announcement is US Citizens and legal US residents in Okinawa, Japan. Legal US residents must possess a social security number and be citizens of a NATO country. Must be able to provide documentation proving residence status overseas.
Business Based Action Family Member Preference Outside Applicant Veteran Spouse/Widow/Parent of Veteran Transition Hiring Preference
Qualifying Experience
Must have a minimum of three years of managerial and technical experience at the Executive Chef level or a related field and proven experience in senior culinary leadership roles, particularly in high-volume or multi-unit operations.
Exceptional culinary skills complemented by extensive knowledge of diverse cuisines and the ability to prepare food in a variety of cooking techniques, business acumen in budgeting and financial analysis, communication skills to lead diverse teams, creativity in menu development, and familiarity with food safety regulations.
Varied experience with cuisines from around the world and applied knowledge in food cost control, planning culinary activities, portion control, and writing accurate recipes are essential.
Expertise in training kitchen staff and cooks on quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and responsible cost management.
Must possess strong leadership skills, a passion for culinary excellence, and commitment to upholding the organization's mission and values.
Must be proficient in Microsoft applications.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America or a comparable institution, with advanced certifications are highly desirable.
Benefits
Benefits information is available at: https://myairforcelife.com/join-our-team
Additional Info
Position Details
This position is Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) and is located with the Business Flight on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.
Application Information
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/12/2026 to receive consideration.
Additional Information
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
U.S. Citizens and Non-U.S. Nationals who have resided in the U.S. or U.S. Territory for three (3) or more consecutive years immediately preceding the start of Federal affiliation.
All Federal NAF employees are required by PL 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit.
Probationary period may be required.
Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from hiring preferences and priority consideration eligible.
Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement for up to 60/90 days after the closing date.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government's interest.
LQA is authorized.
Post Allowance is authorized for Regular Full Time employment category.
This is a Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) position carrying out Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities for the Air Force and Space Force.
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