EXECUTIVE CHEF

Job Summary

Step into a kitchen where every plate matters. We're seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead a scratch kitchen built around executive dining, upscale catering, and high-touch events within a $3M corporate dining account. This isn't a high-volume cafeteria operation — this is a refined, fast-paced culinary environment where intimate two-top plated lunches and elegant 100-guest evening functions happen on the same day, and every detail reflects your craft.

About the Role

As Executive Chef, you'll oversee the full culinary operation behind our executive dining and premium catering program, managing 10-12 events daily that range from private executive meals to large-scale evening functions, with 3-4 evening events weekly. You'll lead a team of 8, including a Sous Chef, setting the standard for execution, presentation, and guest experience in an environment where excellence isn't optional — it's expected.

What You'll Do

• Plan and execute regular and modified menus that reflect fine dining and upscale catering sensibilities, while maintaining standardized recipes, portioning, and presentation standards that never waver.
• Daily production worksheets, waste logs, and quality tastings will be part of your rhythm, as will training your team in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, and sanitation, grounded in both company and regulatory standards.
• Take ownership of inventory, ordering, and cost controls, balancing premium quality with smart financial stewardship, and establish cleaning and maintenance schedules that keep your kitchen running like a well-tuned machine.
• Make thoughtful, guideline-compliant decisions about food utilization, stay ahead of health and sanitation compliance through local and third-party audits, and uphold all safety policies and occurrence reporting protocols.
• Beyond the kitchen, you'll be a polished, client-facing presence, participating in client satisfaction programs and representing the culinary team with confidence and professionalism in a high-touch service environment.

What We're Looking For

• We need an Executive Chef with non-negotiable experience in executive dining, fine dining, and upscale catering, someone who has led kitchens at this level before and knows what flawless execution actually looks like.
• You'll bring 5+ years of progressive culinary and kitchen management experience (an A.S. or equivalent hands-on experience is preferred), with extensive catering experience strongly valued and high-volume, complex foodservice operations experience highly desirable.
• Institutional or batch cooking exposure is a plus, but hands-on chef experience is essential.
• You should have a comprehensive grasp of current food and catering trends, with sharp instincts around quality, production efficiency, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and everyday digital tools rounds out your toolkit.

Why This Role

This is an opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial culinary leader to take real ownership of a premium dining and catering operation, shape the guest experience at the highest level, and build a kitchen culture defined by craftsmanship, consistency, and pride in every plate that goes out the door.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retail 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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.