Catering Chef

About the Role

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced and passionate Catering Chef to lead culinary catering operations for a premier dining and catering account in Philadelphia. The role oversees food production, menu development, catering execution, purchasing, inventory management, and team leadership, creating memorable dining experiences in a fast‑paced hospitality environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all catering culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Create, develop, and execute seasonal menus, catering offerings, and specialty events.
• Supervise and actively participate in food preparation and production activities.
• Partner with operations and marketing teams to implement new culinary programs and initiatives.
• Manage food, labor, and operational costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversee purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and product utilization.
• Promote the use of local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and ServSafe standards.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment for all team members.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members, supporting career growth and engagement.
• Monitor equipment, kitchen maintenance, and operational readiness.
• Drive continuous improvement through process enhancements and best practices.
• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree required; associate degree preferred.
• Three to five years of culinary management experience, including high‑volume catering and event experience.
• Experience leading culinary operations in a high‑volume foodservice, hospitality, or catering environment.
• Strong knowledge of food production, menu planning, sanitation, and food safety practices.
• Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and cost control.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop diverse teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of food and industry trends.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving financial goals.
• Passion for hospitality, innovation, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Desire to grow professionally within an industry‑leading foodservice organization.

Pay

Salary: $100,000 – $110,000 per year

Additional compensation: Annual performance bonus opportunity up to 20% of base salary.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance / Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave