Catering Chef

altiussearchgroup; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Altius Search Group client seeks a Catering Chef to oversee all culinary operations for a new catering kitchen, directing menu execution, production planning, food quality, and event support for weddings, corporate functions, social events, and private dining experiences.

The role requires leadership of production, scheduling, inventory management, and staff development while maintaining top standards and ensuring flawless event execution across on-site and off-site functions.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of culinary leadership experience in catering, banquet, hotel, restaurant, or high-volume event operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with production planning and large-scale food preparation.
• Knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory, and labor management.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary production for catered and private events.
• Plan, prep, and execute menus for off-site and on-site functions.
• Partner with the Director of Events to ensure seamless event execution.
• Establish production schedules, prep systems, and kitchen workflows for the new catering operation.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Manage food ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Control food and labor costs while meeting financial goals.
• Hire, train, schedule, and develop catering kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with all sanitation, food safety, and health regulations.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and leadership team on seasonal menus and special event offerings.
• Assist with event setup and execution as needed.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Event planning & execution

Organization

Food cost & inventory management

Sanitation & food safety

Staff hiring/training

Job description

Our client,an elevated dining destination known for exceptional hospitality, innovative cuisine, and memorable guest experiences is in search of a Catering Chef. This Chef will oversee all culinary operations for the new catering kitchen, leading menu execution, production planning, food quality, and event support. This individual will play a key role in developing efficient systems, maintaining the highest culinary standards, and ensuring flawless execution for weddings, corporate functions, social events, and private dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary production for catered and private events.
• Plan, prep, and execute menus for off-site and on-site functions.
• Partner with the Director of Events to ensure seamless event execution.
• Establish production schedules, prep systems, and kitchen workflows for the new catering operation.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Manage food ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Control food and labor costs while meeting financial goals.
• Hire, train, schedule, and develop catering kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with all sanitation, food safety, and health regulations.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and leadership team on seasonal menus and special event offerings.
• Assist with event setup and execution as needed.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of culinary leadership experience in catering, banquet, hotel, restaurant, or high-volume event operations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with production planning and large-scale food preparation.
• Knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory, and labor management.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.

Preferred Experience

• Experience launching or building a catering or commissary kitchen.
• Fine dining or upscale hospitality background.
• Experience with weddings, corporate catering, and luxury private events.