Events & Catering Chef — Culinary Innovation Leader

Compass Group USA; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; 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

Bon Appetit Management Company, a Compass Group USA division, seeks an Events & Catering Chef to lead culinary vision, execution, and hospitality in a corporate dining environment. You will oversee menu development, client engagement, and event operations to deliver exceptional experiences and scalable programs.

You will mentor a culinary team, manage costs, ensure food safety, and partner with operations to meet budgets and timelines.

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.
• Demonstrated success leading culinary teams in a hospitality-driven environment.
• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Corporate dining, luxury hospitality, conference center, or large-scale catering experience.
• Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or other professional culinary certification.
• Experience supporting executive-level events and VIP hospitality programs.
• Experience developing innovative food programs and culinary activations.
• Strong understanding of event planning, hospitality design, and guest experience strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative menus and event concepts aligned with client expectations.
• Stay informed on culinary trends and techniques.
• Balance creativity with budget, labor, and scalability.
• Design offerings for executive meetings, conferences, and large events.
• Lead culinary aspects of catering from planning to service delivery.
• Oversee food production, logistics, staffing, and readiness.
• Ensure consistency in quality, timing, and service standards.
• Lead client relations and act as primary culinary contact.
• Mentor and develop culinary team and foster a culture of hospitality.
• Manage costs, forecasting, purchasing, and inventory.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Event management

Catering operations

Food safety

Budget management

Labor cost control

Education

Associate degree or equivalent in Culinary Arts/Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Catering/event management systems

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company, a Compass Group USA division, seeks an Events & Catering Chef to lead culinary vision, execution, and hospitality in a corporate dining environment. You will oversee menu development, client engagement, and event operations to deliver exceptional experiences and scalable programs.

You will mentor a culinary team, manage costs, ensure food safety, and partner with operations to meet budgets and timelines.