Executive Chef

ROOTS Catering | Charlotte Catering & Events

Charlotte, NC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$70,000–$90,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Catering Services, Communication Skills, Consumer Branding, Cook Dishes, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Culinary Operations, Culinary Training, Customer Experience, Develop and Maintain Customers, Food Flavor, Food Preparation, Food Presentation, Food Production, Food Quality, Inventory Management, Leadership, Logistics, Maintain Compliance, Materials Analysis, Mentoring, Menu Development, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Management, Plating Processes, Production Control, Production Costing, Proposal Development, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulations, Safety/Work Safety, Sales, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
POSTED
2 days ago
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and creative Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a high-volume catering company in Charlotte, NC. Roots Catering is a dynamic off-site caterer committed to creating memorable experiences for our clients.
This role is responsible for overseeing kitchen production, menu development, food quality, event execution, and culinary team leadership. The Executive Chef will work closely with the sales team to design custom menus for clients while maintaining consistency, presentation standards, and operational excellence across all events.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong organizational skills, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced catering environment.


Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Operations
  • Lead and manage all back-of-house catering operations, including prep, production, execution, and staffing

  • Supervise and mentor cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen staff to maintain high culinary standards

  • Ensure all cooks and kitchen staff are strictly adhering to recipes, portioning, plating standards, and food preparation procedures

  • Maintain consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation across all catered events

  • Oversee food ordering, inventory management, and cost control initiatives

  • Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, and safety regulations


Menu Development & Client Collaboration
  • Create innovative and customized menus for weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and specialty events

  • Collaborate with the sales team to develop client proposals and culinary presentations

  • Communicate effectively with the sales and event teams to ensure seamless event execution and accurate menu details

  • Adapt menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, seasonal offerings, and client preferences

  • Participate in tastings and client meetings as needed


Quality Control & Event Review
  • Review event photos and post-event materials to evaluate food presentation, buffet displays, plating quality, and overall culinary execution

  • Identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions when necessary

  • Ensure presentation standards align with company branding and client expectations

  • Conduct routine quality assurance checks during production and at event sites


Team Development
  • Train and develop culinary staff on recipes, presentation standards, kitchen systems, and event execution procedures

  • Foster a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture

  • Assist with hiring, scheduling, and performance management of kitchen personnel


Qualifications
  • 5+ years of Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership experience, preferably in catering or high-volume events

  • Strong knowledge of food production, menu costing, and banquet execution

  • Proven ability to create custom menus for a variety of events and cuisines

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills

  • Strong leadership and team management abilities

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as needed

  • ServSafe Certification preferred


Preferred Skills
  • Experience with off-site catering logistics and large-scale event execution

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills

  • Ability to maintain composure under pressure in fast-paced environments

  • Creative approach to menu design and food presentation


Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience ($70-$90K)

  • Performance bonuses

  • 401k and company matching

  • Paid time off

  • Health benefits

  • Opportunities for growth and advancement


To apply, please submit your resume and portfolio/photos of culinary work.


About the Company

R

ROOTS Catering | Charlotte Catering & Events