Executive Chef: Lead Menus & High-Impact Events

Duvall Catering & Events; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Duvall Catering & Events in North Charleston, SC is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and deliver exceptional menus and presentations for high-profile events. The Executive Chef will set culinary standards, manage food and labor costs, and ensure safety and sanitation compliance while maintaining client satisfaction.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive F&B knowledge, and a track record of managing complex events in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive culinary experience in hospitality
• Bachelor's or Associate degree in a related field
• Advanced knowledge of F&B preparation, storage, sanitation, and licensing requirements
• Strong project management from conception to completion
• Proven leadership with ability to inspire teams
• Hands-on management style with direct operational involvement
• Strong knowledge of financial management including P&L, budgets, and analysis
• Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert leadership to liabilities
• Working knowledge of Spanish (required); fluency preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• High motivation to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Daily proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

• Ensure excellent customer experience through consistent execution of menus and recipes and training of culinary team
• Hire staff and manage staffing levels to maximize productivity and morale
• Support front-of-house and back-of-house in all aspects of the business
• Ensure safety and sanitation compliance
• Consult with sales to plan and create menus as needed
• Meet kitchen financial goals by ordering and maintaining inventory while minimizing waste
• Collaborate with culinary team to execute events and develop staff
• Develop and implement policies to improve operating efficiency
• Collaborate with suppliers to obtain high-quality ingredients
• Keep up to date with trends and adjust menus accordingly
• Provide accurate pricing information to sales staff
• Adhere to culinary concepts and project management processes, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery
• Support sales process with client tastings
• Work events regularly; irregular hours including nights/weekends/holidays
• Build relationships with Culinary, Operations, and Sales teams
• Schedule daily tasks flexibly to support production floor and active proposals
• Research and gather information for meetings, projects, and reports

Skills

Culinary Experience

Menu Development

Food & Beverage Prep

Project Management

Leadership

Hands-on Management

Budgeting & P&L

Spanish Language

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree

Job description

Duvall Catering & Events in North Charleston, SC is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and deliver exceptional menus and presentations for high-profile events. The Executive Chef will set culinary standards, manage food and labor costs, and ensure safety and sanitation compliance while maintaining client satisfaction.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive F&B knowledge, and a track record of managing complex events in a fast-paced hospitality environment.