Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Kosher Catering CompanyReports To: Vice President of CulinaryPosition OverviewThe Executive Chef provides strategic culinary leadership for a premier kosher catering company, overseeing all culinary operations, menu development, and kitchen leadership while ensuring full compliance with kosher laws. This role is responsible for setting the culinary vision, maintaining exceptional standards of quality and presentation, and driving operational excellence across all events. The Executive Chef works closely with senior leadership, event planners, operations teams, and mashgiach staff to deliver innovative, high-end menus for weddings, corporate events, galas, and private functions.The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading large-scale, multi-unit culinary operations such as catering companies, conference centers, universities, or hotels and a proven track record of managing senior kitchen leaders, including chefs de cuisine and sous chefs.Key ResponsibilitiesEstablish and execute the overall culinary vision and standards for the company, ensuring consistency, creativity, and excellence across all events.Lead the development of innovative, seasonal menus tailored to client preferences while maintaining strict adherence to kosher dietary laws.Partner closely with the mashgiach to approve ingredients, suppliers, menus, and production methods.Ensure menu offerings meet diverse client requirements, glatt kosher, cholov yisroel, pareve, and allergen-friendly options.Set and enforce company-wide standards for plating, presentation, and food quality that elevate kosher cuisine to a fine-dining level.Oversee all culinary operations from planning through execution, ensuring consistency in food quality, flavor, and presentation.Develop systems, workflows, and production standards to support high-volume, high-end event execution.Direct inventory control, purchasing strategies, and vendor relationships, ensuring all suppliers meet kosher certification standards.Ensure strict compliance with kosher kitchen protocols, including meat and dairy separation, labeling, and cross-contamination prevention.Maintain compliance with all health department regulations, food safety standards, and internal sanitation policies.Lead, mentor, and develop culinary leadership teams, including chefs de cuisine, sous chefs, and kitchen managers.Partner with the mashgiach to ensure staff training and accountability regarding kosher practices and procedures.Establish staffing models, scheduling practices, and labor strategies that align with event volume and business needs.Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement across all culinary teams.Provide executive-level oversight of on-site culinary execution at off-premise venues as needed.Collaborate closely with event operations, sales, and planning teams to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences.Proactively troubleshoot operational challenges and implement solutions in real time.Support forecasting and planning for staffing, purchasing, and production based on upcoming events and business demand.QualificationsMinimum of seven years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or equivalent senior-level roles, preferably in catering or banquet operations.Strong experience in kosher kitchen operations preferred; willingness to work closely with a mashgiach and uphold kosher standards is required.Proven expertise in large-scale, high-end event production and multi-unit operations.Demonstrated excellence in menu development, culinary presentation, and flavor innovation.Exceptional leadership and team development skills, with experience managing senior culinary leaders.ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification required (kosher food safety training a plus).Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.Physical stamina and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume culinary environment.vvCompany DescriptionGourmet Caterers is New England's leading caterer

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000