Executive Chef

Durham, NC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $59,300.00 - $81,700.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

performance-based bonus

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Professional development opportunities

meals provided

Job Description

Rocky Top Catering is a premier catering company renowned for delivering exceptional culinary experiences across a diverse range of events and venues. With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, Rocky Top Catering serves the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus and surrounding community with tailored dining solutions that meet the highest standards of taste, presentation, and service. The organization prides itself on its ability to blend creativity with operational excellence, ensuring every event is memorable and every meal exceeds expectations. As a leader in the catering industry, Rocky Top Catering emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and a guest-focused... Show More

Job Requirements

Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and game days
Ability to lead during peak periods with long hours and high operational demand

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef
Proven experience in high-volume, multi-outlet, or catering environments
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, food cost, and labor
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced environment
Highly organized with strong administrative and operational capabilities
Excellent communication and leadership presence
Experience with large-scale event execution and premium hospitality environments preferred

Job Duties

Provide strategic leadership for all culinary operations across multiple service areas
Build, mentor, and retain high-performing culinary teams, including sous chefs and kitchen leadership
Establish a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement
Partner with operations and front-of-house leadership to ensure alignment and execution
Oversee all food production, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation at the highest level
Lead execution of large-scale events, game day operations, and premium dining experiences
Drive menu development that aligns with client expectations, brand standards, and operational efficiency
Maintain rigorous food safety and sanitation standards
Own kitchen financial performance, including food cost, labor management, and overall budget accountability
Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory control to optimize margins
Implement systems and processes that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support scalability
Utilize data and reporting to inform decision-making and operational improvements
Collaborate closely with sales, operations, and venue leadership to execute events at a high level
Translate event needs into clear culinary execution plans for the team
Anticipate operational challenges and proactively implement solutions

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)

Job Location

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