EVENT CHEF

The Wild Thyme Company; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Part-time roles with potential for FT

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Wild Thyme Company is a creative, high-energy catering business that values growth, teamwork, and a shared passion for exceptional food and hospitality. We are currently hiring Event Chefs for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with flexible scheduling and strong growth opportunities.

As the on-site culinary leader, you will deliver an exceptional guest experience from setup to service, coach kitchen staff, and ensure food quality and safety at every event.

Qualifications

• Culinary experience (multiple skill levels encouraged to apply).
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food execution.
• Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and solution-driven.
• Positive attitude with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute all food to standard according to recipes and company expectations.
• Lead and manage the kitchen team; direct and supervise kitchen assistants; assign tasks and keep the team focused and productive.
• Control timing and production by executing a clear prep and service plan; ensure items are prepared and served on time.
• Verify product before departure; ensure correct quantity, quality, and proper transport/storage.
• Maintain proper food handling on-site; follow California health and safety regulations; store and hold food correctly.
• Oversee load-in and load-out; ensure efficient loading of food and equipment and post-event breakdown.
• Represent the company as the on-site culinary leader; uphold standards across ownership, culinary, and sales teams.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food execution

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Would you like to work with a fun, food-driven family?

At The Wild Thyme Company, we set goals together, work hard together, and laugh together. We are a creative, high-energy catering company that values growth, teamwork, and a shared passion for exceptional food and hospitality.

We are currently hiringEvent Chefs for multiple days of the week, with the greatest need onFridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We offer flexible scheduling and strong opportunities for growth within our team. $20-25 per hour based on experience.

Position Overview

The Event Chef is one of the most critical roles at any event. You are thefinal line of excellence—the last set of eyes and hands ensuring that food quality, execution, and team performance meet company standards.

This role requires strong leadership, organization, and the ability to execute at a high level in fast-paced, ever-changing environments. You will act as the on-site culinary leader, responsible for delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

Execute Food to Standard

• Prepare all food according to recipes and company expectations
• Maintain consistency in flavor, presentation, and technique

Lead & Manage the Kitchen Team

• Direct and supervise kitchen assistants
• Assign tasks based on skill level
• Keep team members focused, productive, and aligned
• Enforce safe, sanitary, and professional practices
• Set up and maintain a clean, efficient kitchen
• Ensure all stations are stocked, labeled, and organized

Control Timing & Production

• Execute a clear prep and service plan
• Manage timing to ensure food is neither early nor delayed
• Produce correct quantities at the correct time

Verify Product Before Departure

• Confirm all food is accurate in product, quantity, and quality
• Ensure proper storage and organization for transport

Maintain Proper Food Handling On-Site

• Store and hold food using correct equipment and methods
• Follow all California health and safety regulations

Oversee Load-In & Load-Out

• Ensure efficient loading of food and equipment
• Oversee breakdown and proper return/storage post-event

Represent the Company

• Act as the on-site culinary leader
• Uphold standards set by ownership, culinary, and sales teams
• Take full ownership of kitchen execution at every event

Qualifications

• Culinary experience (multiple skill levels encouraged to apply)
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food execution
• Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment
• Organized, detail-oriented, and solution-driven
• Positive attitude with strong communication skills

Core Values

We lead with intention and expect our team to embody:

• Respect – For our team, our clients, and our craft
• Don’t Half-Ass It – We take pride in every detail
• Huddle – Communication and teamwork are essential
• Crave – Passion for food, growth, and excellence
• Good Vibes – We bring positive energy to everything we do

What We Offer

• Part-time roles with potential for full-time growth
• Opportunities for professional development

Additional Requirements

• The Wild Thyme Company is anon-smoking company
• Smoking is not permitted at any event or venue
• Respect for client homes, venues, and surrounding neighborhoods is required