Catering Executive Chef — Innovative Campus Events

Compass Group, North America; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Bon Appetit is seeking a Catering Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision and daily operations of Union College’s catering program, directing menu development, food production, and team leadership for events of varying sizes.

You will partner with operations, ensure exceptional hospitality, and drive sustainability and cost‑effective practices while maintaining culinary excellence across all events.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary teams in catering, hospitality, higher education, restaurant, or banquet environments.
• Ability to execute high‑quality catering events while managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with a passion for developing and supporting team members.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and cost‑conscious operations.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build relationships with clients, guests, and cross‑functional partners.
• Passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Commitment to Bon Appétit’s values of sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible sourcing.
• Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
• Experience supporting high‑volume catering, banquet, or event‑driven operations.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or the ability to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations for the catering program, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, execution, and hospitality across all events.
• Create and execute innovative, seasonally inspired menus that align with client needs, dietary preferences, and budget objectives.
• Oversee catering production from planning through service, ensuring efficient execution for meetings, receptions, banquets, and special events.
• Partner with catering and operations teams to support event planning, menu development, logistics, and guest experience initiatives.
• Recruit, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing kitchen culture.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, product utilization, and labor resources to support operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Monitor food quality, production standards, and waste reduction efforts to achieve culinary, sustainability, and cost‑management goals.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
• Provide visible, hands‑on leadership during event preparation and service, supporting the team and maintaining high standards in a fast‑paced setting.
• Stay current on culinary and hospitality trends to continuously enhance menus, presentation, and the overall guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Inventory management

Cost-conscious operations

Team coaching

Culinary innovation

Education

Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent

Job description

Bon Appetit is seeking a Catering Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision and daily operations of Union College’s catering program, directing menu development, food production, and team leadership for events of varying sizes.

You will partner with operations, ensure exceptional hospitality, and drive sustainability and cost‑effective practices while maintaining culinary excellence across all events.