Executive Chef

Pleasanton, CA, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $78,300.00 - $107,800.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

performance bonuses

Flexible work schedule

Job Description

Our company is a premier, high-end off-premise catering and events company known for creating extraordinary culinary experiences in unique and beautiful venues. Specializing in luxury events such as weddings, corporate galas, private celebrations, and bespoke tented functions, we bring elegance and sophistication to every occasion. From private estates and waterfront celebrations to historic landmarks, our reputation is built on flawless execution, innovative culinary artistry, and unparalleled hospitality. We take pride in delivering restaurant-quality cuisine and seamless service in diverse and dynamic environments, always emphasizing seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. Our commitment to excellence has established us as a leader in the luxury catering sector.

We are currently seeking a visionary Executive Chef to spearhead our culinary strategy and execution. This role demands a creative and operationally sophisticated leader who thrives in fast-paced settings and is passionate about transforming client visions into memorable culinary events. The Executive Chef will be responsible for culinary innovation, leading a talented team, managing procurement, and holding full profit and loss accountability. They will work closely with clients and event planners to design and execute customized, trend-forward menus, elevate off-site event operations, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and timing. This leadership position offers the opportunity to influence all aspects of the culinary division, drive growth, and maintain our competitive edge in the luxury event market. The ideal candidate will have a refined palate, proven experience in large-scale off-premise catering, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence in culinary arts and hospitality.

Job Requirements

8+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience
significant luxury catering or multi-venue event experience
proven success managing large-scale off-premise events
strong financial acumen
demonstrated P&L management experience
expertise in menu costing
procurement strategy
vendor negotiations
exceptional organizational skills
ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
refined palate
deep knowledge of global cuisines, modern techniques, and culinary trends
ServSafe Certification or equivalent

Job Qualifications

8+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, with significant luxury catering or multi-venue event experience
proven success managing large-scale off-premise events
strong financial acumen with demonstrated P&L management experience
expertise in menu costing, procurement strategy, and vendor negotiations
exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously
refined palate and deep knowledge of global cuisines, modern techniques, and culinary trends
ServSafe Certification (or equivalent)

Job Duties

Design and execute elevated, customized menus for weddings, corporate galas, private celebrations, and luxury social events
collaborate directly with clients and event planners to create personalized culinary experiences that reflect each client's vision
lead tastings and menu presentations with confidence and sophistication
incorporate seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients into creative, trend-forward offerings
continuously evolve culinary concepts to maintain competitive positioning in the luxury events market
oversee all culinary operations for off-premise events ranging from intimate gatherings to 1,000+ guest galas
ensure impeccable food quality, presentation, timing, and consistency in diverse venue environments
develop scalable systems to deliver restaurant-quality cuisine in non-traditional settings
partner with operations and event teams to ensure seamless logistics and kitchen flow at remote sites
recruit, mentor, and inspire a high-performing culinary brigade
provide hands-on leadership at key events
establish training programs focused on technique, consistency, sanitation, and luxury service standards
build a culture rooted in professionalism, creativity, accountability, and pride
maintain full P&L responsibility for the culinary division
develop pricing models and event food cost strategies aligned with profitability targets
manage procurement, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations
control food cost, labor cost, and waste management while maintaining uncompromising quality
create forecasting tools to support seasonality and event volume
ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards across commissary and off-site locations
maintain all required certifications and compliance documentation