Executive Chef, Catering/Banquet
1 month ago
Charlotte
Job DescriptionDescription: As an Executive Chef, you’ll set the culinary vision for our catering operations—driving menu innovation, ensuring flawless execution, and leading a high-performing kitchen team. You excel at balancing creative flair with operational rigor, and you foster a culture of respect, clear communication, and professional composure. Culinary Leadership: Develop and refine catering menus that showcase seasonal ingredients, while maintaining cost and quality targets. Strategic Impact: Own budgeting, vendor relationships, and cost-control strategies—your decisions directly shape profitability and client satisfaction. Team Empowerment: Mentor sous chefs and cooks through structured training, regular feedback, and career-path planning. Professional Culture: We cultivate a calm, respectful kitchen environment—clear communication and collaborative problem-solving keep stress low and morale high. Key Responsibilities Menu Development & Execution • Design catering menus aligned with seasonal availability, client preferences, and budget goals., • Oversee recipe standardization, portion control, and plating guidelines to ensure consistency across all shifts., • Prepare and manage annual food and labor budgets; monitor P&L performance and implement corrective actions., • Negotiate with vendors for best pricing, quality, and delivery schedules; maintain strong supplier partnerships., • Recruit, onboard, and train culinary staff; establish clear performance expectations and growth plans., • Conduct daily briefings and post-service debriefs to communicate priorities, share learnings, and reinforce standards., • Ensure all kitchen operations meet local health and safety regulations, including DHEC/serving-site standards., • Conduct regular audits of sanitation, food-safety procedures, and equipment maintenance., • Partner with Leadership on menu proposals, site visits, and custom catering requests. Business Acumen: Demonstrated success managing food and labor budgets, P&L accountability, and vendor negotiations. Interpersonal Excellence: Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills; able to inspire and develop diverse teams. Operational Stamina: Comfortable standing for long shifts, lifting up to 50 lbs, and thriving in a fast-paced environment. Innovative Spirit: Passion for menu development, trend-spotting, and elevating client experiences—embrace curveballs with composure and creativity. We’re seeking an Executive Chef who combines visionary culinary leadership with disciplined operations management—and who champions a kitchen culture built on mutual respect, clear communication, and dependable expertise. If you’re ready to lead our banquet culinary team to new heights, we’d love to hear from you!