Catering Chef Manager
Department: (HYBRID) Kitchen & Events OPS
In Search Of:
A celebrated and highly distinguished catering company in the Tampa area is in search of a passionate and innovative Catering Chef Manager with extensive culinary and leadership experience to oversee our Event Chefs and tastings, and lead the culinary execution of our upscale and high-volume catered events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the “bridge” between the Executive Chef and the execution of the food prepared by the Kitchen Department and culinary events team onsite, at events
- Communicate the Executive Chef’s vision, cooking techniques and food preparation to all culinary events staff for proper execution
- Manage a team of utility cooks and event chefs, ensuring all culinary event staff are properly trained and event-ready, specifically for exceptional food quality, plating and portion control/consistency, sanitation standards and timely food delivery at events
- Set and preserve presentation standards throughout all catered events
- Host training sessions for new hires and current culinary event staff to determine their level of skill as event chef or utility cook
- Oversee kitchen production onsite for food served at events, ensuring timely service and culinary excellence under a variety of conditions
- Hold the culinary events team to a high level of accountability for results, while encouraging collaboration to build the team up and ensuring food safety compliance
- Work with internal team members - Upper Management, over arching Kitchen Department, Warehouse Department, Ownership, etc. - to edit current menu items and/or cooking or packing process and procedures for optimization of food transport and longevity, cost-effectiveness and preservation of food quality and taste
- Create checklists, visual guides, and processes for utility cooks and event chefs to use as reference materials to help aid the execution standard desired
- Work with Events OPS team to communicate any logistics for onsite cooking, transport, equipment needs, setup and/or any special requirements
- Cook for and attend selected events when needed as the “Event Chef” on roster
- Execute the food requested by potential clients during scheduled menu tastings, as this is the food they will then expect in both taste and presentation at their event if they so choose to move forward with our catering services
- Lead by example in appearance, cleanliness and hygiene, as well as attitude, professionalism, conflict resolution and “go-team” energy
Requirements:
- 3+ years of progressive leadership experience in high-end catering, event-based cooking, or similar chef roles
- Proven expertise in managing catering operations, from food prep and transfer to large-scale event execution
- Expertise in understanding event timelines, logistics, and mobile kitchen execution
- Strong leadership and team management skills with experience overseeing and motivating diverse teams with varying levels of education, work skills, work ethic and vast ranges in age in a fast paced environment
- Exceptional communication skills with staff, clients, vendors and management, and able to speak to guests effectively and with ease and comfortability
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to off-site event locations; willingness to drive company vehicles (box trucks under 12 ft and mobile bus kitchen)
- Ability to work a flex schedule based on the needs of the business: flex for mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and willing to work long event days
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods in high-energy event settings
- Spanish-speaking not required, but a plus!
- Passion for hospitality and genuine desire to create outstanding guest experiences and foster genuine connections
Compensation & Benefits:
- Full Time, salary position
- Competitive salary (DOE)
- Health benefits
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for growth within the company
- Chance to leave a legacy - let’s build together
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Experience training others and maintaining standards is required.
- Willingness to work onsite, at events is required.
Experience:
- Catering: 3 years (Required)
Language:
- English (Required)
- Spanish (Preferred)
Location:
- Tampa, FL 33609 (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Required)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Tampa, FL 33609 (Required)
Work Location: In person
