Offsite Event Head Chef - Flexible Weekend Shifts

Hearty Boys Caterers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking an experienced Event Head Chef for gig-based, event-driven work across weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and other events in the Chicago area.

Shifts are primarily on weekends and scheduled as needed, offering flexible, hands-on work without a fixed weekly schedule. You will lead onsite culinary execution, train staff, and coordinate with sales and event teams for a seamless dining experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years of experience as a Head Chef in a catering or banquet environment.
• Punctual, dependable, and able to perform efficiently under pressure.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage kitchen staff.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in catering-specific cooking techniques, including "cave" cooking.
• Ability to adapt to different kitchen setups and execute seamless food service at offsite locations.

Responsibilities

• Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and sales notes to ensure all required kitchen equipment, ingredients, and tools are packed for each event.
• Lead the food pack-out process at the Hearty Boys kitchen before departure.
• Ensure food items are properly stored and transported following safety and quality standards.
• Oversee the setup and breakdown of kitchens at various offsite venues.
• Direct and supervise kitchen staff, delegating tasks based on skill levels and event needs.
• Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation standards, ensuring all dishes meet company and client expectations.
• Adapt to different kitchen layouts and troubleshoot challenges related to space, equipment, or timing.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with both kitchen and floor staff to review event menus, service timing, plating styles, and dietary restrictions.
• Train and mentor new or less experienced kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Ensure all kitchen personnel adhere to proper food handling, sanitation, and safety regulations.
• Work closely with sales and event teams to coordinate service timelines and fulfill client-specific requests.
• Communicate effectively with event managers and service staff to ensure a seamless dining experience.
• Provide detailed event feedback to management, identifying operational successes and areas for improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of kitchen performance, equipment usage, and any challenges encountered.
• Implement best practices for continuous quality enhancement in catering operations.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Cave cooking

Job description

Hearty Boys Caterers is seeking an experienced Event Head Chef for gig-based, event-driven work across weddings, private parties, corporate functions, and other events in the Chicago area.

Shifts are primarily on weekends and scheduled as needed, offering flexible, hands-on work without a fixed weekly schedule. You will lead onsite culinary execution, train staff, and coordinate with sales and event teams for a seamless dining experience.