Catering Executive Chef

Catering Executive Chef

Most catering jobs are about delivering food. This one is about creating experiences. Imagine leading a well-funded, well-supported catering kitchen with access to talented Executive Chefs, pastry chefs, hospitality professionals, and the resources needed to bring great ideas to life. One day you might be creating an intimate executive dinner. The next, supporting a media event, product launch, campus celebration, workplace activation, or an experience for hundreds of guests. No two days look exactly the same. We're looking for a Catering Chef who loves the energy of events, thrives on creativity, and believes great hospitality can turn an ordinary meeting into something memorable. If you enjoy building experiences, leading teams, and hearing someone say, "That was the best event we've had all year," we'd love to meet you.

The Catering Chef is responsible for bringing hospitality to life through events, meetings, celebrations, and workplace experiences of every size. This role leads a talented culinary team dedicated to creating memorable food experiences ranging from executive meetings and VIP events to large-scale activations, media functions, and special events. Success is measured not only by food quality, but by creativity, execution, guest experience, client satisfaction, and the ability to create moments that bring people together.

Create Memorable Experiences

• Lead daily catering production and event execution.
• Create innovative menus and event experiences.
• Partner with clients and event teams to bring ideas to life.
• Support executive meetings, media events, celebrations, launches, and special activations.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation, and hospitality.

Lead a Great Team

• Coach, mentor, and develop culinary team members.
• Partner with Executive Chefs, pastry chefs, and hospitality leaders.
• Create an environment where teamwork, accountability, and creativity thrive.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of culinary talent.

Deliver Operational Excellence

• Maintain food safety, allergen management, and operational standards.
• Manage production planning, inventory, and event execution.
• Utilize systems and tools to support consistency and efficiency.
• Maintain readiness for events of all sizes.

Financial Stewardship

• Manage food, labor, and operating costs responsibly.
• Support accurate forecasting and event costing.
• Minimize waste while maintaining quality and guest experience.
• Partner with leadership to achieve financial goals.

The Ideal Candidate

• Love events and the energy they create.
• Get excited about presentation and guest experience.
• Enjoy balancing creativity with execution.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Can turn an idea into a memorable experience.
• Believe hospitality is about making people feel cared for.
• Know how to have fun while maintaining high standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of culinary leadership experience in catering, hospitality, restaurants, hotels, or workplace dining.
• Experience executing events ranging from small meetings to large-scale functions.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Experience leading culinary teams in high-volume environments.
• Culinary degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain certification.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• A talented and collaborative culinary team.
• Dedicated pastry support.
• Strong operational resources.
• Creative event opportunities.
• A wide variety of experiences ranging from intimate executive functions to large-scale activations.
• A culture that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Why Join Guckenheimer?

Because food should bring people together. Because events should be memorable. Because creativity deserves support. Because great chefs deserve great teams. Because you'll have the opportunity to create, teach, learn, experiment, and build. And because helping create the moments people remember is one of the best jobs in hospitality.

Compensation, Benefits & The Important Fine Print

Let's talk about compensation. The annual salary range for this position is $93,000 - $111,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and the unique strengths you bring to the role. ISS Guckenheimer offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, dental, and vision coverage Life and disability insurance Paid time off and company holidays Retirement savings programs Employee assistance programs Professional development and career growth opportunities Additional leave benefits based on employment status

A Few Practical Details

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day.
• Lift up to 25 pounds.
• Work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and event schedules.
• Maintain professional appearance standards.
• Work occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and special events.

The best Catering Chefs spend more time creating experiences with their teams than sitting behind a desk. HSEQ Compliance All employees must adhere to Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant work environment. This includes following safety protocols, maintaining environmental responsibility, and upholding quality standards in all tasks. Employees are expected to actively participate in HSEQ training and report any potential hazards or compliance concerns.