Catering Chef/Kitchen Manager

Located in the vibrant city of New Haven, CT, our establishment is a dynamic catering company that operates within a shared commercial kitchen space alongside a reputable restaurant. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional culinary experiences through high-quality catering services tailored to diverse clientele ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Our kitchen is committed to maintaining top-notch standards in food preparation, hygiene, and operational efficiency, fostering an environment where creativity and precision thrive. As a full-time catering company, we emphasize collaborative teamwork, rapid responsiveness to client needs, and continual improvement to elevate our culinary offerings and service delivery.

We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Catering Chef / Kitchen Manager to join our team in a hands-on leadership capacity. This critical role involves more than overseeing operations from the sidelines; you will be actively engaged in the kitchen, working side-by-side with a small but highly efficient team. Your leadership will set the standard for organization, cleanliness, staffing, and culinary consistency, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $60,000 to $65,000 annually, reflective of experience and expertise.

As the Catering Chef / Kitchen Manager, you will lead all facets of catering production, from menu execution to team coordination. You will craft and manage prep and staff schedules that align with both our catering demands and the adjoining restaurant's operations, ensuring seamless workflow and resource allocation. Your responsibilities include inventory control, purchasing, and the implementation of robust cleaning and sanitation systems to maintain a safe and efficient kitchen environment.

Your leadership style will embody accountability and motivation, overseeing team performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. While this role does not typically require line cooking for the restaurant, you will be the backbone of our kitchen success, contributing hands-on to food preparation and operational management. You will also play an instrumental role in organizing and executing catering events, packing and delivering with meticulous attention to detail.

Candidates must demonstrate prior experience in culinary leadership roles such as chef, sous chef, or kitchen manager within fast-paced, high-output environments. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work flexible, early morning hours is essential, as is comfort within a shared kitchen environment. Bilingual candidates fluent in English and Spanish are highly valued for enhanced communication within our diverse team. Reliability, a detail-oriented mindset, and a solutions-driven approach are non-negotiable for success in this leadership position.

Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate group committed to high culinary standards and operational excellence. If you are eager to lead from the front, build strong systems, and develop a team that delivers exceptional catering experiences, we encourage you to apply for this fulfilling, hands-on role.