Catering Execuitve Chef

Houston, United States$95,000 – $105,000/yr7 days ago

Job description

Salary: $95,000 - $105,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 25% of Base Salary)

Where Passion Meets Purpose - and Careers Come Alive

At Wolfgang Puck Catering, great careers are crafted the same way great food is — with passion, intention, and the right people around you. We hire for curiosity, spirit, and heart, and we invest in everything you bring to the table. Through mentorship, real development, and a clear path to leadership, we're committed to your journey — not just your job title. Come be part of something that challenges and champions you in equal measure.

"I can have the best food, but if we don't have good people, it won't get you very far." — Wolfgang Puck

Success on our team starts with our culture:

  • We have Wolfgang’s PASSION for our business, our product, and our people / guests / clients.
  • A FLEXIBLE MINDSET is key; we are strategic business partners who wear multiple hats.
  • Our services require a CONCIERGE mentality, a bias to action with humble hospitality.
  • We are out-of-the-box PROBLEM SOLVERS, who look around corners so our clients and guests don’t have to.
  • We curate company and partner resources to bring our client’s vision to life. We seek to cultivate the next generation of talent, purveyors and partnerships.
  • We bring an entrepreneurial approach to deliver results for our clients (you might call this scrappy).
  • Collaboration and openness to innovative business tools, new ways of thinking and ability to partner across departments are essential to create optimal business solutions.

“I can have the best food, but if we don’t have good people, it won’t get you very far.”

Job Summary

Wolfgang Puck Catering is seeking an accomplished and visionary Catering Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across an exceptional portfolio of premier catering programs, corporate dining experiences, and distinguished large-scale events. This is an opportunity for a dynamic culinary leader to shape extraordinary food experiences, blending creativity, innovation, and refined execution with the highest standards of hospitality.

The Catering Executive Chef will provide strategic and creative direction across all culinary operations, overseeing menu development, culinary innovation, production, and execution while cultivating a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous growth. From sophisticated daily dining experiences to high-profile events and bespoke off-site celebrations, this leader will ensure every detail reflects Wolfgang Puck Catering’s commitment to exceptional cuisine, impeccable presentation, and memorable guest experiences.

The ideal candidate is a passionate and forward-thinking culinary professional with a proven ability to inspire high-performing teams, elevate culinary standards, and drive operational and financial performance. Combining an appreciation for seasonality, quality ingredients, and contemporary culinary trends with exceptional business acumen, this individual will bring creativity, discipline, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence to every aspect of the operation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead culinary operations across catering, special events, and business dining programs.
  • Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus that reflect client preferences and event objectives.
  • Guide food production and event execution while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation standards.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing kitchen culture focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop culinary team members at various experience levels.
  • Partner with operational and hospitality leaders to support client satisfaction and business growth.
  • Monitor food, labor, and operating costs while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety standards.
  • Manage purchasing, inventory controls, vendor relationships, and product specifications.
  • Support large-scale events, including planning, logistics, staffing, and onsite culinary execution.
  • Contribute to new business presentations, tastings, and client engagement opportunities.
  • Drive innovation through menu development, culinary trends, and guest feedback.

What We're Looking For

  • Experience leading culinary operations in catering, hospitality, business dining, hotel, restaurant, or event environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee high-volume food production and complex event execution.
  • Strong leadership skills with a focus on coaching, mentorship, and team development.
  • Knowledge of menu planning, food costing, inventory management, and labor management.
  • Understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and service excellence.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Culinary degree, certification, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Experience supporting large-scale events, premium hospitality, or multi-site operations.
  • Experience working directly with clients and managing customized event experiences.
  • Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance metrics.
  • Passion for culinary innovation, sustainability, and guest-centered hospitality.

Apply to Wolfgang Puck Catering today!

Wolfgang Puck Catering is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Wolfgang Puck Catering are offered many fantastic benefits.

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

Wolfgang Puck Catering maintains a drugfree workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1590239

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Michael Abbey

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Skills mentioned

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