Executive Chef

Position Summary The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall culinary vision, leadership, and execution of all food operations. This role oversees kitchen production, event execution, recipe development, staff training, food quality, budgeting, and vendor management. The Executive Chef works closely with the General Manager and leadership team to ensure seamless coordination across departments, while building an inspired, efficient, and cohesive culinary culture. This position is primarily daytime based but there will be occasions that require field work at off premise events. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team, fostering a high-performing, respectful, and collaborative culture. Recruit, train, and schedule kitchen staff; establish clear expectations and performance standards. Identify talent, provide ongoing coaching, and build a unified, efficient team. Serve as a positive role model with a strong work ethic, professionalism, and problem-solving mindset. Menu Innovation & Recipe Development Drive culinary creativity, seasonal menu design, specialty menus, and event-specific food concepts. Develop and standardize recipes, ensuring consistency in quality, flavor, and presentation. Collaborate with clients, event managers, and partners to customize menus for unique events. Operations & Production Oversight Direct all kitchen production activities—from drop-off offerings to complex multi-course plated dinners. Ensure flawless culinary execution during events of all sizes; serve as a hands-on leader when needed. Maintain food safety standards and ensure compliance with all sanitation regulations. Financial & Inventory Management Work in partnership with the General Manager to oversee kitchen budgets, food costs, labor efficiency, and equipment expenditures. Manage vendor relationships, purchasing, portion control, waste management, and inventory systems. Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to achieve profitability targets. Cross Department Collaboration Build and maintain strong partnerships with FOH, sales, events, and operations teams. Participate in planning meetings, tastings, and client interactions when appropriate. Serve as a thoughtful communicator, able to translate culinary goals to non-culinary team members. Qualifications 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in catering, large event spaces, or high-volume event environments. Culinary degree or advanced certifications preferred. Must have the ability to learn and utilize the Information Technology systems. Demonstrated success in leading culinary teams, driving menu innovation, and executing large-scale events. Proficiency in budget oversight, food costing, labor management, and vendor negotiation. Strong ability to collaborate, motivate, and communicate across departments. Hands-on leadership style ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification required (or ability to obtain within 90 days). Ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods. Background check required for employment. Key Traits for Success Creative thinker and problem solver Strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills Positive, team-oriented attitude and approachable leadership style Visionary who sees the "big picture" while managing day-to-day execution What We Offer Competitive salary and growth potential A dynamic and collaborative work environment Creative freedom and influence over culinary direction Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing culinary team Exposure to diverse catering formats and premium events Company Offerings We prioritize the health, wellness and work-life balance of our associates and designed our comprehensive compensation packages to reflect that. Full-time associates are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, parental leave, 401(k) with company match, at-work dining perks, flexible schedules, generous PTO, and a total rewards program. Employees can also use our inclusive employee assistance program. Location-specific perks may also include wellness programming, on-the-job training, corporate-hosted courses, certifications and team events. To ensure we protect our team members and the integrity of our company, all associates are required to go through a background check prior to starting with the company. The background check will include validation of information supplied on the application, criminal history, and drug screening. Depending on the nature of the position, additional checks such as driving history, physical ability, or credit check may also be required. Continental offers a highly competitive compensation package. Continental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.