Executive Chef - Catering & Events Leader

Compass Group, North America; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Job summary

Compass Corporate is seeking an experienced Catering Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across a diverse portfolio of catering programs and large events. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on culinary expertise, ensuring exceptional food quality, fiscal stewardship, and memorable guest experiences.

The Executive Chef will oversee menu development, production planning, culinary team leadership, food safety, and financial performance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations in catering, hospitality, business dining, hotel, restaurant, or event environments.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee high-volume food production and complex event execution.
• Strong leadership skills with coaching, mentorship, and team development.
• Knowledge of menu planning, food costing, inventory management, and labor management.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations across catering, special events, and business dining programs.
• Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus that reflect client preferences and event objectives.
• Guide food production and event execution while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation standards.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing kitchen culture focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members at various experience levels.
• Partner with operational and hospitality leaders to support client satisfaction and business growth.
• Monitor food, labor, and operating costs while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety standards.
• Manage purchasing, inventory controls, vendor relationships, and product specifications.
• Support large-scale events, including planning, logistics, staffing, and onsite culinary execution.
• Contribute to new business presentations, tastings, and client engagement opportunities.
• Drive innovation through menu development, culinary trends, and guest feedback.

Skills

Culinary operations leadership

Menu development

Budgeting & cost control

Team leadership & coaching

Food safety & sanitation

Client-facing collaboration

Communication & relationship-building

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Job description

Compass Corporate is seeking an experienced Catering Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across a diverse portfolio of catering programs and large events. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on culinary expertise, ensuring exceptional food quality, fiscal stewardship, and memorable guest experiences.

The Executive Chef will oversee menu development, production planning, culinary team leadership, food safety, and financial performance.