Director Of Culinary Operations

This opportunity is with a fast-growing, entrepreneurial hospitality group based in Chicago, IL, dedicated to providing luxury catering and bespoke event experiences. Known for their commitment to operational rigor and a hands-on company culture, they focus on delivering excellence at every touchpoint. The group has built a reputation for high-quality culinary craftsmanship, innovative event execution, and dedicated customer service, making them a recognized leader in Chicago's hospitality and catering scene.

They are searching for a Culinary Director / Executive Chef to lead their catering operations in Chicago. This role is ideal for an experienced culinary professional eager to influence strategy, drive growth, and set new standards within a dynamic and collaborative environment. The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $90,000 to $110,000+ based on experience, alongside performance-based bonus potential. For strong candidates, equity participation is also a possibility, underscoring the company’s commitment to growing with its leadership team. Additionally, full relocation support is available for the right individual, making this an accessible opportunity for culinary leaders nationwide.

The Culinary Director / Executive Chef will be responsible for overseeing and scaling all facets of culinary and catering operations while maintaining the highest levels of luxury quality expected from top-tier events. This leader will develop, implement, and continually refine operational systems to enhance efficiency and consistency, ensuring every event runs smoothly from concept to execution. Day-to-day duties include managing budgets, monitoring financial performance, and leading a diverse team to foster accountability, professionalism, and culinary excellence.

This role requires someone with a deep understanding of large-scale catering or banquet functions, ideally with experience at NYC luxury catering companies, 4- or 5-star hotel banquets, or major hospitality groups. The ideal candidate brings strong operational systems expertise and a process-oriented mindset, combined with proven financial acumen and budget ownership skills. Leadership maturity and a demonstrated ability to scale operations are critical to success in this position.

Beyond operational leadership, the Culinary Director / Executive Chef will have the opportunity to shape company culture, promoting a workplace rooted in hospitality, teamwork, and continuous growth. This environment values an ownership mentality, commitment to high standards, and the drive to set new industry benchmarks. Collaborative and inclusive leadership is a priority, ensuring the team feels supported and motivated to deliver their best work.

This role represents a unique career growth opportunity, placing the successful candidate at the forefront of a fast-paced, evolving hospitality company with ambitions for significant impact both operationally and culturally. The successful candidate will benefit from significant autonomy and the chance to influence strategic decisions while receiving competitive compensation and benefits aligned with their expertise and contribution.