Culinary Director

La Creme Luxury Catering is recognized as Monterey County's only certified green, high-end, concierge-level catering company. Since its inception in 2011, La Creme has built a stellar reputation for exceptional hospitality, seasonal California cuisine, and visually striking presentations that consistently impress clients. The company operates exclusive catering services at premier venues, including The Holly Farm and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, and also boasts its flagship oceanfront venue, Crema on Ocean View. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices and culinary excellence, La Creme Luxury Catering serves a diverse clientele seeking sophisticated, memorable dining experiences for weddings, corporate events, and other luxury occasions.

The Director of Culinary Operations is a pivotal leadership role within La Creme, responsible for overseeing all culinary functions across both La Creme Catering and Crema on Ocean View. This full-time role offers a competitive salary range of $95,000 to $125,000 annually, with additional benefits such as health benefits reimbursement and paid time off. The position demands an innovative culinary expert who combines creativity with operational leadership, managing everything from menu creation to event execution in a high-production, multi-venue catering environment.

In this role, the Director will lead the culinary vision, developing modern, seasonal menus that reflect La Creme's identity as a green certified caterer while maintaining premium quality and creativity. The Director will manage kitchen operations at the primary catering site, developing and maintaining standard operating procedures, managing workflow, and optimizing labor and cost efficiency. An essential part of the responsibilities includes sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans to uphold the company’s commitment to sustainability and top-tier cuisine.

Direct oversight of event execution is essential, ensuring seamless culinary service at a wide range of events - from elegant weddings to large-scale corporate activations including those at WeatherTech Raceway. This role requires close collaboration with the CEO, General Manager, sales teams, and event supervisors to deliver exceptional client experiences that enhance the company’s reputation.

Beyond operational management, the Director is charged with building and nurturing a positive, organized, and excellence-driven kitchen culture. This involves training, mentoring, and scheduling kitchen teams to maintain high standards in presentation, flavor, and hospitality. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic, high-pressure settings and embraces an active lifestyle, demonstrating resilience, strong physical stamina, and a passion for culinary artistry.

With over 14 years of market presence, La Creme Luxury Catering offers an extraordinary opportunity for a seasoned culinary leader to guide a prestigious culinary brand. The role is ideal for culinary professionals seeking to make a tangible impact by shaping innovative menus and operational standards across multiple venues, and participating in the growth of a celebrated hospitality platform. Advancement opportunities and competitive compensation further enhance this exceptional career prospect within Monterey County's luxury catering industry.