Executive Chef

Wolfgang Puck Catering; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Personal Leave

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Job summary

Wolfgang Puck Catering in California is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision and daily kitchen operations for a premier corporate dining account and our catering program. You will develop innovative menus, manage food production for daily services and events, and partner with operations leaders to meet financial targets while mentoring a diverse culinary team.

This role emphasizes hospitality, sustainability, and delivering outstanding guest experiences across high-profile

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations in corporate dining, hospitality, or catering.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations for the account, maintaining high quality and guest experience.
• Develop innovative menus reflecting seasonal ingredients and client preferences.
• Oversee food production for daily dining services and events.
• Partner with operations leadership to meet financial targets including budgeting and food cost controls.
• Recruit, train, and develop culinary team with a focus on mentorship and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company standards.
• Build strong client relationships through responsiveness and exceptional service.
• Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and operations to introduce new programs and experiences.
• Monitor performance and implement improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Support sustainability initiatives and responsible sourcing.

Skills

Culinary leadership

High-volume food production

Menu development

Food safety standards

Budgeting

Coaching/mentoring

Client relationship building

Education

Bachelor's in Culinary Arts or Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Operational reporting tools

Job description

At Wolfgang Puck Catering, we believe exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional culinary experiences. As the Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary vision and daily kitchen operations for a premier corporate dining account while supporting a dynamic catering and events program.

This role offers the opportunity to combine culinary creativity, business acumen, and people leadership in a fast-paced environment. Working closely with operations leaders, clients, and culinary teams, you will shape memorable food experiences, foster a positive team culture, and drive operational excellence. We are looking for a collaborative culinary leader who is passionate about innovation, mentorship, hospitality, and delivering outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations for the account, ensuring consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and guest experience.
• Develop innovative menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, client preferences, wellness initiatives, and current culinary trends.
• Oversee food production for daily dining services as well as special events, receptions, and catering functions.
• Partner with operations leadership to achieve financial objectives, including budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, and food cost controls.
• Create a culture focused on collaboration, engagement, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members while supporting career growth and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, health department, and company standards.
• Build strong client relationships through responsiveness, creativity, and a commitment to exceptional service.
• Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and operational partners to introduce new programs, concepts, and guest experiences.
• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Support sustainability initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and responsible sourcing practices where applicable.
• Lead culinary execution for VIP events, client functions, and high-profile catering opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Culinary leadership experience within corporate dining, hospitality, restaurants, catering, hotels, or related foodservice environments.
• Experience overseeing food production in high-volume and quality-driven operations.
• Knowledge of menu development, culinary trends, food safety standards, labor management, and financial performance metrics.
• Ability to inspire, coach, and develop diverse teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, guests, and cross-functional partners.
• Experience balancing hands‑on culinary execution with strategic operational leadership.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing business needs.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and creating a positive workplace culture.
• Comfort using technology and business applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and operational reporting tools.
• Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience leading corporate dining, catering, conference center, or premium hospitality operations.
• ServSafe Certification or similar food safety certification.
• Experience managing budgets, purchasing programs, and food cost initiatives.
• Knowledge of current culinary, nutrition, sustainability, and foodservice industry trends.
• Experience collaborating directly with clients and executive stakeholders.

Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_WPC.pdf