Senior Campus Catering Lead Chef for High-Volume Events

Aztec Shops, Ltd.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance 80% employer-paid

Dental coverage 90% employer-paid

Life/AD&D insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Vacation and sick leave

Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000

Voluntary 403(b) matching

457 retirement savings plan

Flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Aztec Shops Ltd. in San Diego, CA, seeks an experienced Catering Chef Leader to oversee daily production and residential dining.

You will supervise 1–3 Sous Chefs and 2–35 employees, plan menus, order supplies, manage inventory, and ensure food quality and service standards for catered events. Responsibilities include leading kitchen stand-up meetings, training staff, testing new menu items, cost controls, and ensuring compliance with HACCP and health regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business or Hotel/Restaurant Management or culinary program; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least four years in high-volume, multi-unit food service operations; at least two years supervisory in catering kitchen or similar event-driven operation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; computer literacy; mathematical/financial skills; proven leadership skills.
• ServSafe Certified and Management Food Handler Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior culinary leader in the Catering Chef's absence, ensuring continuity of kitchen operations and execution of all catering functions.
• Plan, organize, and direct culinary production for catered events; maintain food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Lead daily kitchen stand-up meetings to review production schedules, events, staffing, priorities, and quality expectations.
• Supervise daily kitchen operations and culinary staff to ensure timely, accurate food preparation.
• Direct and oversee daily production of standard and specialty menu items while maintaining food quality and cost standards.
• Develop and test new menu items in collaboration with the Catering Chef; incorporate seasonal ingredients and client needs.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Operational planning

Food safety knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Business or Hotel/Restaurant Management or culinary program

Bachelor’s degree preferred

ServSafe Certified

Job description

Aztec Shops Ltd. in San Diego, CA, seeks an experienced Catering Chef Leader to oversee daily production and residential dining.

You will supervise 1–3 Sous Chefs and 2–35 employees, plan menus, order supplies, manage inventory, and ensure food quality and service standards for catered events. Responsibilities include leading kitchen stand-up meetings, training staff, testing new menu items, cost controls, and ensuring compliance with HACCP and health regulations.