Executive Chef - Catering & Events
Wooden Paddle - Lemont, IL
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IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?Are you a strong leader, with the natural ability to build and develop culinary *dream teams*? Do you geek out over tinkering with salt, fat, acid, and heat until a dish tastes just right?Are you a bit artsy, with the uncanny ability to design beautiful, Instagram-worthy plates?Are you known for setting the bar so high that your team keeps it there, even when you're not there? Is 'good enough' never good enough for you? Are you super comfortable designing menus that balance creativity, feasibility, and profit? Do you naturally excel at planning ahead, so even the craziest events run as smooth as *butta*? Are you the kind of chef that takes your career seriously, but doesn't take yourself too seriously?Yes?! Then YOU should join our team!WHY WORK HERE?:Here are some of the perks!PPO medical, dental, & vision Insurance with 50% company contribution401K retirement savings plan w 3% company match2 weeks of paid time off & 5 sick daysFlexible days off, typically back-to-backA generous, never-expires, $250 monthly food & drink allowanceA 50% employee discount on food while you're workingA 20% employee discount on food & drinks anytime you're not working, for you & your whole tableFree Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner boxes for you & your family - so you don't have to cook on the holidays!Attendance at fun, "State of the Company" company events twice a yearAccess to lots of company-paid business coaching & resourcesAs a company, we run on EOS; so we're a collaborative, strategic, & winning team (i.e. no more meetings that just waste your time - promise!)Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & your birthday off, automaticallyThe opportunity to grow quickly with a forward-thinking company that regularly reinvests in itself and its peopleWHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?:RESPONSIBILITIESAs our Executive Catering Chef, you'll be at the helm of catering culinary operations. These are the results you'll be hired to accomplish:" ? Hire & Develop a High-Performing Culinary TeamHand-pick your A-players, coach & develop your B-players, and encourage the C-players... to work somewhere else. In this role, you'll hire & mentor a culinary *dream team* full of the 'right people' - that fit our culture - and put them in the 'right seats' - the position that best matches their talents and what they love to do. " ? Conversation-Sparking Catering Menu InnovationIn this role, you'll work alongside (celebrity! But totally not an a-hole!) Chef Patrick Cassata and *fresh-press* your creative juices to create a catering menu full of "omg-did-you-try-that?!" energy. In this role, you'll get to play around, try new things, and push the culinary envelope. The result? A super fun, fresh AF culinary program that keeps people talking. " ? Uncompromising Food & Beverage Quality ControlYou'll lead the charge to ensure - with your own eyes and ears! - that our high standards for food and beverage are met, event after event - definitely when you're there, and especially when you're not. You'll be at events during peak times - hands-on and all-in - ensuring things are done right the first time, or they're done again. No compromises, no questions asked. " ? A Profitable Catering Culinary Program Maximize your P's and minimize your L's, bb! You'll be responsible for (and damn good at!) achieving profit targets within the culinary program. You'll drive sales - through creative menus, special events, and more - and control overall food & labor costs within all of our catering kitchens. " ? Efficient & Well-Oiled Catering Kitchen LogisticsIn this role, you'll ensure that all the right resources - people, equipment, and every last ingredient - are where they need to be, when they need to be there. You're the behind-the-scenes mastermind, ensuring that our pop-up kitchens operate smoothly in all locations. And when something inevitably goes sideways? You're the cool-headed fixer, solving problems on the fly. *AS A DISCLAIMER*: This is a dynamic position, in a rapidly-growing company, in an always-changing industry. That means that this position and its responsibilities will continue to evolve. So, if you're change-adverse, this job ain't it.That being said - if you're good with change, and are willing to try new things - you'll love this job, and it'll love you right back.PAYThe total compensation for this position will fall between $90000 - $120000 per year. Base salary depends on relevant experience. WORK SCHEDULEThis position is full-time, with a semi-set schedule designed around the demands of our catering operations. Our Executive Chef will be on-site for the most significant, most complex, highest-revenue events. While the weekly schedule may vary, days off are typically back-to-back. Our Executive Chef will work 5 days, and typically 50-ish hours per week.WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? Our team has been built - brick by brick - on shared core values. And no, they're not just bullsh*t words slapped on a wall - they're who we are - and they're non-negotiables for working here. You'll feel super *comfy* and right at home if these words describe you:" You Come With Batteries Included You're a high-energy self-starter who jumps into action, and doesn't need hand-holding to get things done." You're Scrappy You're a resourceful problem solver who makes things happen; if there's no door, you get in through a window." You Take Your Work Seriously You take pride in your work, big and small, and you have a natural reflex to do things the *right* way." But, You Don't Take Yourself Too SeriouslyYou're a positive team player who's quick to laugh at your own mistakes, open to feedback, and humble about your wins.And if these words *don't* describe you? You'll be decidedly *uncomfy* here. So, fair warning - If you're a cranky a** problem-bringer who's cool being super-mid at your job and needs constant hand holding... may we suggest... working literally anywhere else? JOB REQUIREMENTS:Here are some of our must-haves & would-like-to-haves:At least 7 years of professional kitchen experienceAt least 3 years in an Executive Chef, or equivalent, role, preferably for high-volume catering operationsA Bachelor's degree in the Culinary Arts, or equivalent work experienceExpert knife skills & mastery of diverse culinary techniques (grilling, roasting, braising, sauting, baking, etc.)Extensive culinary knowledge, including seasonal ingredient expertise, flavor pairing, and Michelin-level presentation techniquesPrevious experience with wood-fired cooking, a major plus!Familiarity with the challenges of off-site cateringMust be able to (or be willing to learn to!) drive large vehicles - including trailers, box trucks, and extended vansMust have a current ServSafe Manager CertificationMust be at least 21 years oldMust have open availability - including nights, weekends and holidaysPhysically able to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and keep up with the pace of a busy catering kitchenMust have the ability to regularly work 50-ish hours per weekMust have a valid driver's license & sole access to a personal vehicleFamiliarity with 7Shifts, Total Party Planner, & Margin Edge, a major plus!
Created: 2025-02-19