Lead Event Chef — Offsite Catering for 100+ Guests

Food For Thought; Lincolnwood (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent training

Full and part-time opportunities

Job summary

Food For Thought is seeking an Event Chef to lead on-site culinary operations for off-site catered events in the Chicagoland area. You will manage menu confirmation, staffing, and execution for events up to 100+ guests, ensuring quality, timing, and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities include pre-event planning with sales, coordinating with FOH, directing setup and service, and mentoring cooks. Competitive hourly pay and both full-time and part-time options available.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership to guide event teams and host staff
• Clear communication with sales, FOH, and kitchen teams
• Organized, deadline-driven, and calm under pressure
• Mentor cooks of all levels and supervise staff during events
• Basic English literacy and math for recipes, requisitions, and portions
• Knowledge of safety and allergen practices

Responsibilities

• Reviews packs 48 hours prior to events to confirm menu, guest counts, equipment, and allergies
• Leads pre-event meetings with sales and FOH supervisor to set plan and timeline
• Organizes, preps, sets up, directs, and breaks down events up to 100+ guests
• Assigns staff and briefs team on menu, allergies, and expectations
• Directs kitchen setup with spatial logistics and food flow
• Oversees staff, product, and rental check-in to prevent shortages
• Tastes and approves demo plates and ensures consistent plating
• Runs plated and buffet service, keeps teams on schedule, handles dietary restrictions
• Mentors cooks and maintains rapport with sales and supervisors
• Directs breakdown, cleanup, and load-out to FFT standards
• Completes event notes and recap form the night of the event

Skills

Leadership

Event logistics

Communication

Organization

Deadline-driven

Calm under pressure

Mentoring cooks

Mathematical / recipe math

Attention to allergies

Tools

FFT's mobile ovens

Job description

Food For Thought is seeking an Event Chef to lead on-site culinary operations for off-site catered events in the Chicagoland area. You will manage menu confirmation, staffing, and execution for events up to 100+ guests, ensuring quality, timing, and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities include pre-event planning with sales, coordinating with FOH, directing setup and service, and mentoring cooks. Competitive hourly pay and both full-time and part-time options available.