Culinary Director/Kitchen Operations

Over view, Chic Chef Catering is a high-volume luxury catering company specializing in weddings, corporate events, and large-scale social events throughout the Chicago area. We are seeking a strong Culinary Director / Kitchen Operations Manager to help lead and organize our growing production kitchen. This is not just a chef position — we are looking for a systems-driven operator who can manage production flow, labor, prep schedules, kitchen organization, food consistency, and team accountability.

Responsibilities:

Oversee daily kitchen production and prep operations Create and manage prep sheets and production timelines Manage kitchen labor scheduling and efficiency Control food cost, waste, and portion consistency Lead and supervise kitchen staff Ensure all events are fully prepped and execution-ready Manage inventory, ordering, and receiving Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and standards Improve systems and operational efficiency as company grows

Qualifications:

5+ years of high-volume catering, banquet, or event kitchen experience Strong leadership and kitchen management skills Experience with weddings, buffets, plated meals, and large-scale production Ability to manage labor and food cost targets Organized, calm under pressure, and solutions-oriented Bilingual English/Spanish preferred Experience managing prep teams and multiple events simultaneously

Compensation:

Base salary: $65,000-$75,000 Performance bonuses available Growth opportunity within a rapidly expanding catering company We are looking for someone who wants to grow long term with a fast-paced and ambitious hospitality company. To apply, please send resume and brief background experience.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Flexible schedule Food provided Paid time off

Work Location:

In person