Chef / Kitchen Operations Manager

Have Party Will Travel Catering is a premier full-service catering and events company serving Utah for over 30 years. We specialize in weddings, corporate events, galas, fundraisers, private parties, and destination catering throughout the Wasatch Front and beyond. Our company operates from a commercial production kitchen and utilizes a state‑of‑the‑art mobile gourmet kitchen, allowing us to execute everything from intimate gatherings to large‑scale events with precision and creativity. We are focused on growth, operational excellence, fresh high‑quality food, and delivering memorable guest experiences. Our culture values professionalism, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and consistency. Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and hands‑on Chef / Kitchen Operations Manager to lead kitchen production, event execution, food quality, labor management, inventory systems, and kitchen staff development. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives in both culinary execution and operational management. The ideal candidate can lead multiple events simultaneously, maintain consistency under pressure, and help build scalable systems as the company continues to grow. This position requires strong leadership, communication, organization, and the ability to execute high‑volume catering events with professionalism and attention to detail. Key Responsibilities Kitchen & Culinary Operations Lead daily kitchen production and catering execution Manage prep schedules for upcoming events Execute menus with consistency, quality, and presentation standards Oversee event food staging, packing, and kitchen logistics Ensure recipes, portions, and plating standards are followed Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and health department compliance Supervise kitchen staff, prep cooks, dish staff, and event culinary teams Help train and develop kitchen personnel Create a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture Assist with staffing coordination and scheduling Hold team members accountable to performance standards Inventory & Cost Control Manage food ordering and vendor relationships Conduct inventory tracking and monthly counts Control food waste and maintain target food cost percentages Help implement and maintain kitchen systems and software Monitor kitchen supplies, equipment, and organization Event Execution Collaborate with sales and event teams on BEOs and timelines Ensure events are prepared accurately and on time Support onsite event execution when needed Assist with large‑scale catering logistics and mobile kitchen operations Systems & Operational Growth Help improve operational efficiency and kitchen systems Assist with recipe costing and production processes Contribute ideas for scalability, consistency, and growth Participate in process improvement and team development initiatives Qualifications Culinary school education or equivalent kitchen leadership experience preferred Servsafe Certificate preferred but not required Catering and high‑volume production experience strongly preferred Experience leading kitchen teams in fast‑paced environments Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to multitask and manage multiple events simultaneously Experience with inventory, ordering, and food cost management Strong communication and leadership abilities Ability to work extended event hours when needed #J-18808-Ljbffr Have Party Will Travel