Executive Sous Chef

Executive Sous Chef Terkel Scholar Experiences Luxury Events • Private Dining • Destination Hospitality Terkel Scholar Experiences is seeking a talented, highly driven Executive Sous Chef to join our expanding luxury hospitality group. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside a nationally recognized private chef and hospitality brand specializing in ultra-high-end private dining, luxury catering, destination events, seasonal residencies, and bespoke culinary experiences for discerning clientele across the country. We are looking for a chef who operates with urgency, professionalism, creativity, and precision — someone capable of executing at a Michelin-level standard while adapting to constantly changing environments and travel-based operations. This is not a standard restaurant position. This role requires flexibility, leadership, composure under pressure, and a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences in private homes, estates, yachts, luxury venues, and destination properties. Primary Markets & Travel Candidates MUST be willing and able to travel frequently for events and seasonal activations, including: Nantucket New York City Miami Palm Beach Martha's Vineyard Travel may include: Multi-day luxury events Seasonal residencies Estate and yacht dining High-profile dinners and celebrations Brand collaborations and culinary activations International opportunities as the company expands Responsibilities Assist in overseeing all culinary execution for private dining, luxury events, and destination experiences Lead kitchen operations during events, including prep, execution, staffing, breakdown, and logistics Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, organization, and cleanliness standards Collaborate on seasonal menu development, tastings, and event-specific culinary concepts Assist with sourcing premium ingredients and managing inventory for travel-based events Train, mentor, and lead culinary teams in fast-paced luxury environments Adapt menus and execution based on venue limitations while maintaining a high standard of excellence Support operational systems, prep organization, packing lists, and event logistics Ensure all culinary operations reflect the hospitality and luxury standards of the brand Maintain calm, focused leadership during high-pressure services and off-site productions Qualifications Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience Experience in Michelin-starred, luxury hotel, fine dining, or high-end catering environments strongly preferred Strong leadership and communication skills Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail Ability to work cleanly, efficiently, and calmly under pressure Experience with off-site events, large-format dinners, and travel-based execution preferred Must be comfortable working flexible hours, weekends, holidays, and extended travel schedules Valid driver's license and ability to travel required Culinary creativity balanced with strong technical execution Passion for hospitality, luxury experiences, and guest-focused service What We Offer Opportunity to work on some of the most unique and high-end culinary experiences in the country Dynamic, travel-focused work environment Direct collaboration with a rapidly growing luxury hospitality brand Career growth and leadership opportunities Competitive compensation based on experience Travel accommodations provided for applicable events Exposure to elite clientele, luxury venues, and destination markets Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is ambitious, adaptable, hospitality-driven, and obsessed with execution. You should love the intensity of events, the creativity of private dining, and the challenge of producing world-class experiences in constantly evolving environments. If you are looking for a traditional restaurant role, this position is likely not for you. If you are looking to build something exceptional and grow within a luxury hospitality company operating at a high level — we would love to meet you. Apply through Culinary Agents or send resume and portfolio/work examples to Tobias@Novarehospitality.com for consideration.