Executive Chef & Dining Director – Corporate Café

Canteen North America; Newberry (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Canteen is seeking a forward-thinking Chef / Dining Director to lead our corporate café program. This role focuses on delivering exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence in a dynamic, client-facing environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong client-facing background, culinary creativity, and the ability to develop authentic menus that reflect regional flavors and techniques, exceeding guest and client expectations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of culinary management experience in contract dining, fine dining, or high-volume upscale environments.
• Ability to develop trusted client partnerships and deliver strategic solutions.
• Deep knowledge of culinary trends, workplace dining, and premium catering execution.
• Proven success in cost control, inventory management, and operational leadership.
• Experience with exhibition-style cooking and engaging guests through culinary storytelling.
• Strong understanding of HACCP standards and food safety practices.
• Experience managing P&L in a contract dining environment (preferred).
• ServSafe certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of the culinary and café operation, delivering a seamless, elevated guest experience.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and receiving with precision and efficiency.
• Create and execute seasonally inspired, chef-driven menus with a focus on quality and presentation.
• Drive financial performance, managing food cost, purchasing, and P&L accountability.
• Champion sustainability and responsible sourcing, with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.
• Design and execute innovative catering experiences for executive meetings and corporate events.
• Inspire, mentor, and develop your team to consistently deliver best-in-class food and service.

Skills

Culinary management

Client partnerships

Culinary trends

Cost control

P&L management

HACCP

ServSafe

Exhibition cooking

Job description

Canteen is seeking a forward-thinking Chef / Dining Director to lead our corporate café program. This role focuses on delivering exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence in a dynamic, client-facing environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong client-facing background, culinary creativity, and the ability to develop authentic menus that reflect regional flavors and techniques, exceeding guest and client expectations.