Executive Chef & Culinary Operations Leader

Hospitality Confidential; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Reimbursement

IRA Company match

Paid time off

Sick Time

Profit sharing

Job summary

Hospitality Confidential seeks an Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Operations in central Maryland to lead culinary vision across weddings, galas, and corporate events. This hands-on leader will recruit and mentor a high-performing team while shaping menus, standards, and operations for a $5M to $10M organization.

The role emphasizes strategic decision-making, cost control, and driving excellence in service and cuisine, with a people-first culture and opportunities for growth and profit

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary leadership in high-volume environments.
• Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in high-volume catering/hospitality.
• Proven success in large-scale culinary production and kitchen operations.
• Off-premise catering experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in hotel banquet, luxury hospitality, country club, or large-event environments.
• Strong ability to recruit, mentor, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong financial acumen with food cost, labor, inventory, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute culinary vision and menu innovation.
• Lead all commissary kitchen operations for weddings and large events.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Develop standardized recipes, production systems, and plating standards.
• Partner with Sales, Operations, and Ownership to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Oversee purchasing, vendor relations, inventory, and scheduling.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, HACCP compliance, and kitchen organization.
• Drive continuous improvements in operations and quality standards.
• Oversee kitchen maintenance, equipment programs, and capital improvements.
• Manage department financial performance including food cost and budgeting.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Team development

Menu development

Spanish (preferred)

Education

Culinary degree (preferred)

Job description

Hospitality Confidential seeks an Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Operations in central Maryland to lead culinary vision across weddings, galas, and corporate events. This hands-on leader will recruit and mentor a high-performing team while shaping menus, standards, and operations for a $5M to $10M organization.

The role emphasizes strategic decision-making, cost control, and driving excellence in service and cuisine, with a people-first culture and opportunities for growth and profit