Lead Event Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Description

The Culinary Event Lead plays a critical role in the successful execution of off-premise catering events. This individual is responsible for leading culinary teams in the field, ensuring food quality, timing, organization, and overall execution meet company standards. The ideal candidate is a strong hands-on culinarian with proven experience in commercial kitchens and a passion for leadership, teamwork, and hospitality. This role requires excellent planning, communication, and people-management skills, along with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing event environments.

Key Responsibilities

Event Execution & Leadership

• Lead the culinary execution of off-premise catering events, ensuring food quality, presentation, timing, and service standards are met or exceeded
• Oversee on-site food preparation, finishing, service flow, and breakdown
• Manage kitchen timelines, menu flow, staffing structure, and efficient use of kitchen and event space
• Act as the culinary point of contact on-site, maintaining clear and professional communication with operations, front-of-house, and event leadership

Team Management & Training

• Lead, manage, and motivate culinary event staff in a positive, respectful, and ethical manner
• Train and mentor team members on execution standards, food safety, and event procedures
• Foster a fun, professional, and collaborative work environment where team members feel supported and respected

Planning & Coordination

• Review event menus, BEOs, timelines, and logistics in advance to ensure readiness
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Front-of-House teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Identify and proactively solve challenges related to staffing, equipment, space, or timing

Commissary & Production Support

• Prep food in the commissary kitchen on non-event days following standardized recipes and procedures
• Assist with production, packing, and organization of food and equipment for events
• Ensure accurate execution of menus from prep through final service

Food Safety & Standards

• Follow and enforce all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Maintain clean, organized workspaces both in commissary and on-site
• ServeSafe certification required (or willingness to obtain within 90 days; company provided)

Systems & Communication

• Utilize electronic communication tools and event management systems effectively
• Learn and follow established SOPs while providing feedback for continuous improvement
• Maintain professional communication across departments before, during, and after events

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in commercial kitchens
• Large kitchen, banquet, or off-premise catering experience strongly preferred
• 2- or 4-year culinary degree preferred
• Proven ability to lead, train, and manage teams
• Strong understanding of menu execution, event timing, kitchen flow, and logistics
• Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments
• Proficiency with electronic communication and ability to learn new systems
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset

Why Join Us

We offer a range of benefits for eligibles team members, including:

·        Health Coverage – Medical, Dental and Vision

·        Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness

·        401(k)

·        Paid Time Off

·        Wellness Programs

·        Additional Perks

This position offers the opportunity to join a large, well-established catering company with an outstanding team culture, innovative systems, and proven standard operating procedures. We take pride in delivering exceptional events while maintaining a fun, respectful, and supportive work environment. The right candidate will be admired by peers, trusted by leadership, and empowered to grow within our organization.

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