Executive Chef

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet .

Position Summary
The
Executive Chef
serves as the top culinary leader at Footprint Center, the premier downtown Phoenix arena that is home to the NBA Phoenix Suns, WNBA Phoenix Mercury, and a high-volume calendar of concerts, special events, and large-scale productions. This role is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the entire culinary department, ensuring seamless execution of all food and beverage services across multiple premium clubs, suites, concessions, and back-of-house operations for professional sports and entertainment events.

Reporting directly to the Senior Executive Chef, the Executive Chef is accountable for setting the culinary vision, driving menu innovation, upholding safety and sanitation standards, and leading a team of 35+ full-time and part-time culinary professionals. This role requires exceptional culinary acumen, strong leadership, cost management expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

The Executive Chef must be available to work an event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Executive Chef must be available to work a variable event-driven schedule which includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This role pays an annual salary of $115,000-$130,000 and is bonus eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles:
Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k)
matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)
This position will remain open until November 21, 2025.
About The Venue
Mortgage Matchup Center
is in the heart of downtown Phoenix, home to the Phoenix Suns and Mercury professional basketball teams and a variety of special events and concerts tear round-making it the preeminent destination for sports and entertainment in the southwest.

Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Culinary Leadership & Operations

• Serve as the senior culinary leader responsible for all food preparation, presentation, quality, and consistency across all events and outlets within Footprint Center.
• Develop, manage, and execute high-volume menus for NBA and WNBA games, concerts, VIP suites, clubs, staff meals, and catered events, with a focus on innovation, fan experience, and operational feasibility.
• Ensure seamless culinary execution for a year-round calendar of events, including 80+ home games, national concerts, corporate events, and back-of-house player dining experiences.

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of over 35 culinary professionals, including sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, and utility staff.
• Oversee staffing, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluations, and professional development of the culinary team.
• Foster a positive kitchen culture that emphasizes accountability, empowerment, continuous learning, and high performance.

Financial & Cost Control

• Develop and maintain food cost targets and labor budgets in collaboration with the Sr. Executive Chef and Director of F&B.
• Ensure adherence to budgeted food cost percentages through effective inventory management, portion control, waste reduction, and purchasing practices.
• Monitor payroll, approve timesheets, and optimize labor deployment based on event volume.

Menu Development & Quality Assurance

• Create and implement seasonal and event-specific menus that reflect the culinary brand of the arena while meeting diverse guest expectations, dietary needs, and brand partnerships.
• Ensure all food is prepared and served in accordance with Oak View Group's quality, safety, and brand standards.
• Conduct regular kitchen walk-throughs and tastings to uphold presentation, taste, and consistency.

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation standards.
• Maintain accurate kitchen records including food safety logs, inventory sheets, and production reports.
• Ensure cleanliness and safe use of all kitchen equipment and facilities.

Event Execution & Client Interaction

• Collaborate with the Events, Premium, and Concessions teams to plan, execute, and elevate the culinary experience for VIP clients, team personnel, artists, and sponsors.
• Provide on-site leadership during high-profile events and adjust operations in real time to meet service demands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years experience as an Executive Chef or senior culinary leader in a high-volume sports, arena, or hotel/event venue setting.
• Proven success managing a large culinary team in a union or non-union environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory, food costing, labor controls, and P&L accountability.
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to develop compelling menus for a variety of audiences (fans, premium guests, athletes, artists, staff).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and event-based culinary software systems.
• Certified Food Manager (ServSafe or equivalent); knowledge of HACCP and OSHA guidelines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to lead, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
• Must be highly organized, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work a flexible, event-based schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• This is a high-impact leadership role ideal for a chef who thrives on delivering excellence at scale and is excited to shape the culinary identity of a nationally recognized sports and entertainment venue.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our
people
, improves our
service
, and raises our
excellence
. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.