Chef de Cuisine - Main Event Caterers

Main Event Caterers; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Main Event Caterers in Arlington, VA seeks a Chef de Cuisine / Tasting Chef to lead the culinary team, develop innovative menus, and ensure flawless execution during client tastings and high-end events. This leadership role requires culinary excellence, strong presentation, and collaboration with sales and events teams to translate client preferences into memorable gastronomic experiences.

The position offers opportunities for advancement and requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Culinary degree from a recognized institution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all client tastings, showcasing the company's culinary vision, creativity, and commitment to quality.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on seasonal menu development and custom event menus.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and efficiency.
• Oversee kitchen operations for tastings, VIP events, and key functions, ensuring dishes meet luxury standards.
• Work closely with sales and event planning teams to translate client preferences into culinary experiences.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization in line with health regulations.
• Manage inventory, sourcing, and quality control of specialty ingredients used in tastings.
• Stay current with food trends, fine dining innovations, and emerging techniques to elevate the company's culinary offerings.

Skills

Culinary creativity

Communication

Food safety

Team leadership

Inventory management

Microsoft Suite

Evenings/weekends

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Catering platforms

Job description

Job Summary

The Chef de Cuisine / Tasting Chef plays a pivotal role in leading the culinary team, developing innovative menus, and ensuring flawless execution during client tastings and high-end events. This role demands culinary excellence, leadership, and a deep understanding of flavor profiles, presentation, and guest experience.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Trains new staff in the department.
• Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead all client tastings, showcasing the company's culinary vision, creativity, and commitment to quality.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on seasonal menu development and custom event menus.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and efficiency.
• Oversee kitchen operations for tastings, VIP events, and key functions, ensuring dishes meet luxury standards.
• Work closely with sales and event planning teams to understand client preferences and translate them into culinary experiences.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization in line with health regulations.
• Manage inventory, sourcing, and quality control of specialty ingredients used in tastings.
• Stay current with food trends, fine dining innovations, and emerging techniques to elevate the company's culinary offerings.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong culinary skills and creativity, with a passion for developing and delivering exceptional food experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the ability to work collaboratively with clients and team members.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, with a commitment to maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and multitask effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience with leading others and the ability to oversee and direct a team of kitchen staff.
• Strong inventory management skills, including purchasing from approved vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite. Familiarity with catering platforms a plus.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and event-based schedules.

Education and Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Culinary degree from a recognized institution preferred.