TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF

Traveling Executive Chef

Working as a Traveling Executive Chef, you will serve as a hands-on culinary leader providing operational support across multiple dining accounts. This position is ideal for an adaptable chef who enjoys working in dynamic environments, building strong teams, and making an immediate impact. You will step into locations on an as-needed basis to serve as the acting Executive Chef, Chef Manager, or culinary leader when local leadership is unavailable.

This is a highly visible, field-based leadership role and not an office-based position. The Traveling Executive Chef is expected to work alongside culinary teams, oversee daily kitchen operations, manage associate performance, execute food production, place orders, maintain operational standards, and ensure business continuity. Assignments may range from a single day to several weeks or longer, depending on business needs. The ability to travel frequently and quickly adapt to new teams and environments is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the acting Executive Chef or culinary leader at assigned locations during leadership absences, transitions, or vacancies.
• Provide hands-on leadership in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, service execution, and associate supervision.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative work environment where all team members can contribute and succeed.
• Lead, coach, and develop culinary associates, including sous chefs and kitchen staff, while promoting engagement and professional growth.
• Ensure consistent execution of food quality, presentation, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory control, and product utilization to support operational excellence.
• Monitor and manage food and labor costs while maintaining a high-quality guest experience.
• Support menu execution and culinary initiatives in alignment with client and company objectives.
• Quickly assess operational needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement effective solutions.
• Partner with operations and regional leadership to maintain consistency, accountability, and strong team performance across accounts.
• Support catering operations, special events, and new program implementations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training preferred.
• Five or more years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef, Chef Manager, or Senior Sous Chef responsibilities.
• Strong hands-on culinary skills with a passion for leading and developing diverse teams.
• Experience in high-volume foodservice environments such as corporate dining, colleges and universities, conference centers, hospitality, catering, or contract foodservice operations.
• Proven success managing food costs, labor costs, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen operations.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly build relationships, earn trust, and effectively lead teams in new environments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently on an as-needed basis.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including early morning shifts, based on operational requirements.
• Desire to grow professionally with a leading foodservice organization.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1582459