Culinary Director / Executive Chef

An entrepreneurial and fast-growing hospitality group known for its focus on luxury and operational excellence is seeking a Culinary Director / Executive Chef to lead its catering operations in Chicago, IL. This company is characterized by its tight-knit, hands-on culture aimed at elevating guests' experiences and setting new industry standards. The group operates at the intersection of premium culinary craftsmanship and rigorous business discipline, fostering an environment where innovation and operational intensity are equally valued. As a company committed to expanding its footprint and operational rigor, it offers exceptional opportunities for career growth and strategic influence within a luxury hospitality context.

This role is a unique chance for a seasoned culinary leader to join a dynamic team focused on upscale catering and banquet services, where your leadership will directly affect the strategic direction and daily execution of large-scale, high-touch events. The position comes with full relocation assistance to Chicago, competitive base salary ranging from $90K to $110K depending on experience, performance-based bonus potential, and equity opportunities for outstanding candidates. This ensures that the successful applicant will be rewarded not just with a solid salary but also with long-term incentive possibilities linked to company growth and success.

As the Culinary Director / Executive Chef, you will be charged with overseeing all culinary operations, driving growth, and championing a culture of operational excellence and hospitality. Your responsibilities will include implementing and refining operational systems that enhance efficiency and consistency, managing budgets, and mentoring a diverse team to meet and exceed luxury service standards. You will have a direct impact on shaping company culture and setting standards that uphold the brand's reputation for high-quality catering and event execution. This role is ideal for an individual with a robust background in high-end catering or banquet environments, such as NYC luxury catering or 4- and 5-star hotel banquets, who is comfortable managing complex event logistics and large teams while maintaining strict attention to quality and financial performance.

The Culinary Director / Executive Chef role at this hospitality group offers a rare opportunity to combine entrepreneurial spirit with industry-leading standards, contributing to a culture that values ownership, excellence, and teamwork. The company prides itself on a supportive yet rigorous environment where innovation is encouraged, and operational processes are continuously optimized to meet fast-growing business demands. Joining this team means becoming part of a forward-looking hospitality group poised for expansion and success, with a clear pathway for career advancement and influence over corporate strategy and culture.