Catering Executive Chef — Lead University Events & Menus

Compass Group USA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking a Catering Executive Chef for the University of Houston Houston campus. The role leads all culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department, directing menu development, kitchen production, food safety, and staff supervision to deliver exceptional events.

The position requires culinary leadership, cost control expertise, and a proven track record of managing large catering volumes.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of culinary management experience, preferably in high-volume catering, hotels, conference centers, or university dining.
• Demonstrated success managing MILLIONS in annual catering volume.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to motivate diverse staff.
• Proven expertise in menu development, event execution, and cost control.
• Excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and event-heavy periods.
• Physical Requirements: stand for extended periods, lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work in hot, cold, or fast-paced kitchen environments as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary leadership and menu development.
• Design and implement innovative, seasonal catering menus.
• Create custom menus for high-profile events and VIP receptions.
• Monitor food trends and adopt new techniques to stay competitive.
• Oversee all food production for on- and off-site events.
• Coordinate with catering managers to align culinary needs with events.
• Maintain production schedules and event sheets for readiness.
• Manage food costs, labor budgets, inventory, and waste reduction.
• Source vendors and negotiate pricing to maximize profitability.
• Assist in menu pricing based on cost analysis.
• Recruit, train, and mentor culinary staff; supervise kitchen teams.
• Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture.
• Ensure HACCP and health regulations compliance and sanitation.
• Conduct ongoing training on food safety and handling procedures.
• Maintain high culinary standards; participate in tastings and high-profile events.
• Resolve issues related to food quality or service with professionalism.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team building

Menu development

Cost control

Event execution

Communication

Flexibility

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Equivalent training

Job description

Chartwells Higher Ed is seeking a Catering Executive Chef for the University of Houston Houston campus. The role leads all culinary operations for a high-volume university catering department, directing menu development, kitchen production, food safety, and staff supervision to deliver exceptional events.

The position requires culinary leadership, cost control expertise, and a proven track record of managing large catering volumes.