Catering Chef

About Us High Spirits Hospitality is a multi‑brand event company producing over 1,500 events per year across our venues and catering operations, including Events at Judson Mill, The 405, and Liquid Catering. We are seeking an experienced, organized, and event‑focused Catering Chef to be a critical player in our new food catering division. You’ll be responsible for all things food preparation and execution for weddings and large‑scale events. This role balances hands‑on event execution with structured prep, organization, and maintenance during non‑event weeks. Our Values: We are... Radically Inclusive Embracing Individuality Making Life Fun Active Learners Responsible Citizens Keepin' It Real Ahead of the Curve Bold Leading with Heart Exceeding Expectations Everyday Job Purpose This is a multi-purpose role. Currently we are building our food business, with an average of 3-5 food events per month. Each food event will take 1-2 days to prep and then 1 day to execute. On the days when there isn’t food prep to be done, you’d be helping our operations team prepare for, and work other events in a managerial or support role. By fall we expect our food business to take up 90% of your time. Key Responsibilities – Catering Chef (60%) During weeks with scheduled events, the Catering Chef is responsible for all culinary execution related to catering operations, including: Event Work Prepare and execute menus for weddings and events, including buffets, stations, and plated dinners. Events range from 25-400 guests. Lead food production from prep through service, ensuring quality, consistency, and timing. Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff and event‑day culinary team members. Ensure all food is prepared, transported, held, and served in compliance with food safety standards. Coordinate closely with venue captains, coordinators, and bar teams to maintain event timelines. Manage on‑site kitchen flow during service, including plating, replenishment, and breakdown. Oversee proper storage, labeling, and handling of food before and after events. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen environment. Non-Event Work Prepare staff meals, both on events and weekly office “family” meals. Prepare and serve meals for catering tastings and samplings. We do private tasting and quarterly group tastings. Manage all inventory and purchasing. Receive and check deliveries and accuracy and quality. Maintain the organization of all walk-ins, freezers, dry storage, and prep areas. Clean, maintain, and deep‑clean kitchen equipment and prep spaces. Ensure all kitchens remain inspection‑ready at all times Assist with menu development, pricing, recipe standardization, and portioning guides. Support venue operations as needed by helping set layouts, move furniture, clean facilities, etc. Identify equipment needs, maintenance issues, and operational improvements. Work events in other roles, as a Venue Captain, bartender, support staff, etc. Ensure customer service standards are held to the highest expectations. Appropriately manage conflicts with clients according to company values. Communicate unsatisfactory feedback regarding the performance of staff members to the appropriate staff. Document event details, inventory, and recap reports through digital recap forms. Attend weekly company meetings. Typical Schedule As this is an office and event-based job, our Catering Chef is expected to work all food events, supplementing time in the office for prep and other duties. Most events are Thursday-Friday, with some Sunday-Tuesday events. You can expect to work 1-3 evening/weekend shifts per week. We typically have events scheduled 2-6 months in advance. Office and prep hours have some flexibility, as long as the work is getting done and the schedule is communicated and agreed upon by our Director of Operations. Our weekly pay period runs Wednesday-Tuesday with the pay date on the following Tuesday. There is some seasonality to the position, with our high season being March-May and September-December. This is a great position for working parents, as the slower season is typically when school is out. We are open to this being a part-time role as well, although being present at the events would still be a priority. Expectations Be on time for work each day as scheduled. Attend and be well-prepared for all event shifts, staff meetings, training, and retreats. Manage and prioritize incoming tasks and requests from the CEO, Director of Operations, and senior team members. Must be able to complete tasks on time and efficiently. Own a cell phone with text, voice, and data plan that can be used for work purposes. Must use company technology tools appropriately. Provide exceptional customer service to our clients and guests. Must be able to think critically and problem solve, sometimes in very high stress situations. Demonstrate excellent organizational and verbal and written communication skills. Come to work with a positive attitude, ready to work hard and be a supportive team member. Be familiar with all policies, products, and services offered by our company. Continue to foster the company culture of High Spirits Hospitality by being an active, passionate member of the operations and event teams. Perks Hourly rate of $22-$24 an hour. Bartending shifts are eligible to participate in shared tip pools, Venue Captain shifts are not. Paid orientation and training provided. Eligible to participate in our Employee Referral Bonus programs. More FREE money! Full-time employees also receive paid holidays, paid time off, and access to health insurance.

Must have at least 3 years of kitchen experience, preferably at least 1 year of catering/banquet experience. Must maintain a ServSafe Food Manager certificate. Must be able to lift, move, and carry 50lbs without assistance. Must be able to stand on your feet for 8 hours. Must be able to work independently without supervision. Must have reliable transportation to and from work and work-related events. Must have a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record. Must be able to operate company vehicles safely and efficiently. Possess strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be available for regular nights, weekends, and some holidays. Must adhere to our Company’s Wellness Policy.