Executive Chef | Luxury Catering & Events | Washington, DC Metropolitan Area
Full-Time | $110,000 – $150,000 Annually
Confidential Opportunity
A premier luxury catering and events company in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead one of the region's most respected culinary operations.
This is an opportunity for an experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, innovation, and hospitality. The Executive Chef will oversee all culinary operations, menu development, production, staffing, financial performance, and event execution.
Position Overview
The Executive Chef will provide strategic leadership for all culinary operations, ensuring consistency, creativity, and operational excellence across daily production and high-profile catered events. Working in close partnership with the Culinary Director, this individual will help develop innovative menus, elevate culinary presentation, and introduce creative culinary concepts that keep the company at the forefront of the catering industry.
This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest culinary standards through refined techniques, exceptional execution, consistency, and meticulous attention to detail. The Executive Chef will foster a culture of innovation, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement while mentoring and developing a high-performing culinary team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a team of Sous Chefs, production chefs, pastry staff, and culinary professionals.
- Direct all kitchen operations for corporate, social, nonprofit, wedding, and VIP events.
- Coordinate with the Culinary Director to create innovative menus, seasonal offerings, creative presentations, and signature culinary experiences.
- Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution across every event.
- Introduce modern culinary techniques while preserving operational efficiency and consistency.
- Lead client tastings and collaborate with the sales team to develop customized menus for prospective clients.
- Oversee food production, event preparation, and execution for events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale galas.
- Develop standardized recipes, production procedures, plating guides, and quality assurance standards.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate culinary team members while building a positive and accountable kitchen culture.
- Collaborate with the Purchasing Manager to source premium ingredients, maintain vendor relationships, and ensure product quality.
- Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen budgets to achieve financial goals.
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.
- Continuously evaluate kitchen operations, identify efficiencies, and implement best practices.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
- Executive Chef experience within luxury catering, upscale hotels, destination resorts, private clubs, convention hotels, or premier restaurant groups.
- Proven success leading high-volume culinary operations and managing large kitchen teams.
- Experience executing complex off-premise catered events serving hundreds to thousands of guests.
- Demonstrated expertise in menu development, banquet production, and luxury event execution.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, labor management, inventory control, and food cost analysis.
- Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Passion for mentoring culinary professionals and building high-performing teams.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
Preferred Background
Ideal candidates may have experience with:
- Luxury Hotels (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria, Marriott Luxury Collection)
- Premier Catering Companies
- Private Country Clubs
- Destination Resorts
- Convention Hotels
- Michelin-recognized or Fine Dining Restaurants
- University or Healthcare Culinary Programs
- Large-scale Banquet and Convention Operations
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $110,000 – $150,000 annually, based on experience
- Quarterly Performance Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Opportunity to lead one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier luxury catering culinary teams
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to lead a respected culinary operation known for exceptional hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and unforgettable events. You'll partner with executive leadership and the Culinary Director to shape the company's culinary vision, develop innovative dining experiences, and elevate an already well-established brand.
If you're passionate about creativity, leadership, mentoring chefs, and delivering flawless culinary experiences at the highest level, we invite you to explore this confidential opportunity.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
