Executive Chef – Catering & Events Leader

Compass Group USA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; 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

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Compass Group USA is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across diverse catering programs, business dining services, and large off-site events. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on culinary expertise, ensuring exceptional food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

The Executive Chef will oversee menu development, production planning, team leadership, and financial stewardship across multiple hospitality environments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations in catering, hospitality, business dining, hotel, restaurant, or event environments.
• Oversee high-volume food production and complex event execution.
• Strong leadership with coaching, mentorship, and team development.
• Knowledge of menu planning, food costing, inventory management, and labor management.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across catering, special events, and business dining programs.
• Develop and execute seasonal menus reflecting client preferences and event objectives.
• Guide food production and event execution while maintaining quality and presentation standards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing kitchen culture with teamwork.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members at various levels.
• Partner with leaders to support client satisfaction and business growth.
• Monitor food, labor, and operating costs to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace standards.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, and product specs.
• Support large-scale events including planning, logistics, staffing, and onsite execution.
• Contribute to new business presentations and tastings.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu planning

Food safety & sanitation

Budgeting & cost control

Team development & coaching

Client relations & service excellence

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Compass Group USA is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across diverse catering programs, business dining services, and large off-site events. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on culinary expertise, ensuring exceptional food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

The Executive Chef will oversee menu development, production planning, team leadership, and financial stewardship across multiple hospitality environments.