Creative Events Chef: Lead Innovative Catering

Compass Group USA; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Identity Theft Protection

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company, part of Compass Group USA, seeks an Events & Catering Chef to lead culinary vision and operations for corporate catering and events. You will drive innovative menus, oversee production, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in culinary leadership, strong event management skills, and a passion for guest satisfaction within a dynamic, hospitality-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• 3+ years of catering, events, banquet, or hospitality management experience.
• Experience managing high-volume catering operations and complex event execution.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and allergen management practices.
• Experience managing labor, food cost controls, and operational budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and catering/event management systems.
• ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative menus, event concepts, and culinary experiences that align with client expectations and company standards.
• Stay informed on emerging culinary trends, ingredients, techniques, and hospitality best practices.
• Balance creativity with operational feasibility, labor requirements, budget expectations, and scalability.
• Design offerings suitable for a variety of event formats, including executive meetings, receptions, conferences, employee activations, and large-scale events.
• Lead all culinary aspects of catering and event execution from planning through service delivery.
• Oversee food production, event logistics, staffing plans, and operational readiness.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, timing, and service standards.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and partnership.
• Lead, mentor, and develop culinary team members through coaching, training, and performance management.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Event management

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Menu development

Client engagement

Operational planning

Microsoft Office

ServSafe Certified

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Catering management systems

Menu costing tools

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company, part of Compass Group USA, seeks an Events & Catering Chef to lead culinary vision and operations for corporate catering and events. You will drive innovative menus, oversee production, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in culinary leadership, strong event management skills, and a passion for guest satisfaction within a dynamic, hospitality-driven environment.