Catering Chef

EXECUTIVE CATERING CHEF We are seeking a talented, creative, and highly organized Executive Catering Chef to lead the catering culinary program for a prestigious new cultural and event destination in Chicago. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the food and hospitality experience for a nationally significant property that will welcome private events, community gatherings, corporate functions, VIP experiences, and high-profile celebrations.

THE OPPORTUNITY The Executive Catering Chef will take ownership of the culinary execution for catered events across the property, working closely with hospitality, event, and operations leadership to create memorable guest experiences. We are looking for someone who can combine culinary creativity with strong operational execution —a chef who is equally comfortable developing an elevated menu, leading a team, managing food costs, and executing a large, complex event flawlessly.

The ideal candidate understands that catering is about more than exceptional food. Presentation, timing, consistency, hospitality, and the overall guest experience are equally important. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Lead culinary planning and execution for catered events, receptions, meetings, celebrations, VIP functions, and large-scale programs. Develop creative, seasonal, and event-specific menus that reflect a high standard of quality and hospitality.

Execute events ranging from intimate gatherings to high-volume functions. Partner closely with event, catering, and operations teams from initial planning through onsite execution. Recruit, train, develop, and lead culinary team members. Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, sanitation, and safety. Manage food costs, purchasing, inventory, production schedules, labor, and waste.

Build strong relationships with vendors and local suppliers. Adapt menus and service styles for diverse audiences, dietary needs, and event formats. Remain calm, organized, and solutions-focused in a fast-paced event environment. IDEAL BACKGROUND We are looking for a chef with strong experience in high-end catering, luxury hotels, cultural institutions, museums, event venues, premium hospitality, or sophisticated restaurant operations with significant private-event volume.

The strongest candidates will bring a combination of: High-volume catering and banquet experience Elevated culinary standards and creativity Strong leadership and team-development skills Experience with VIP or high-profile events Excellent organization and event execution Financial understanding, including food and labor cost management Ability to collaborate across culinary, operations, events, and hospitality teams A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences WHY THIS ROLE?

This is not a traditional catering chef position. It is an opportunity to help build the culinary identity of an important new Chicago destination with national visibility and a strong community mission. For the right chef, it offers the chance to combine creativity, leadership, events, hospitality, and meaningful work in one very special environment. Additional details regarding the organization and property will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.