Catering Chef Manager: Lead High-Impact Event Dining

Creative Dining Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Job summary

Creative Dining Services in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a Catering Chef Manager to lead back-of-house culinary operations for a major conference center and catering program. This hands-on role requires directing planning, preparation, and execution of events from buffets to multi-course plated meals.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of supervisory culinary experience, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and a passion for quality, safety, and VIP service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred.
• At least three years supervisory/culinary leadership experience.
• Experience in high-volume catering, banquet, hotel or conference center ops.
• Knowledge of menu development, production planning, recipe standardization, cost control.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; calm under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to learn event management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary planning and execution of catered events of varying size and complexity.
• Direct food preparation, production, presentation, and service standards.
• Develop creative, budget-aware menu options reflecting client needs.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise culinary staff.
• Maintain consistent standards for taste, portioning, and appearance.
• Collaborate with sales, event planning, and front-of-house teams.
• Manage food and labor costs, inventory, and waste reduction; support budgeting.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health codes.
• Evaluate events and implement improvements for client satisfaction.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Team management

Budgeting & cost control

Communication

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Event management software

Job description

Creative Dining Services in Grand Rapids, MI, seeks a Catering Chef Manager to lead back-of-house culinary operations for a major conference center and catering program. This hands-on role requires directing planning, preparation, and execution of events from buffets to multi-course plated meals.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of supervisory culinary experience, strong leadership and budgeting skills, and a passion for quality, safety, and VIP service.