What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Chef position at Aldrich Mansion?
Executive Chef – Aldrich Mansion
836 Warwick Neck Ave.,
Warwick, RI
About the Role
The Executive Chef at the Aldrich Mansion leads all culinary operations for one of Rhode Island’s most iconic historic estate venues. Overlooking Narragansett Bay, the mansion hosts weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations in a refined, European-style setting.
The Executive Chef is responsible for delivering high-end, customized banquet cuisine for events held in a single-event-per-day format, ensuring exceptional quality, presentation, and guest experience for groups of up to 230 guests.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Execution
- Oversee all kitchen operations for on-site catered events, including weddings, social events, and corporate functions
- Execute high-volume banquet service while maintaining restaurant-quality presentation
- Design seasonal menus aligned with the mansion’s European-inspired culinary style
- Prepare plated dinners, buffets, action stations, brunches, and cocktail receptions
Event-Driven Menu Development
- Customize menus for each client in collaboration with the event coordination team
- Develop creative plated entrées, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and special dietary accommodations
- Maintain consistency with signature Aldrich Mansion offerings (beef, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian banquet options)
Operational Management
- Manage food purchasing, inventory, and cost control
- Oversee kitchen staffing, scheduling, and event prep workflows
- Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
- Coordinate timing and execution with event coordinators for seamless service flow
Event Collaboration
- Work closely with event coordinators and banquet staff to ensure flawless execution
- Participate in tastings and client consultations as needed
- Ensure each event reflects the mansion’s commitment to privacy, elegance, and personalized service
Environment & Culture
- Historic 70 acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay
- One major event per day to ensure exclusivity and focus on service quality
- Formal dining rooms, grand reception spaces, and outdoor terraces used for service
- High-end wedding and social event clientele expecting premium culinary presentation
- “In-house European Chef” model emphasizing elevated, scratch-made cuisine prepared on-site
Required Qualifications
- 5 years Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience in banquet, hotel, or high-volume catering environments
- Strong background in plated wedding service and multi-course banquet execution
- Experience managing kitchen teams for 100–300 guest events
- Excellent organizational and cost-control skills
- Ability to design seasonal, client-driven menus under time constraints
- ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
Preferred Qualifications
- Fine dining or luxury catering background
- Experience in wedding venue or estate/event catering environments
- Familiarity with European or classical banquet cuisine techniques
- Strong client-facing communication skills
- Experience working in one-event-per-day luxury hospitality settings
Performance Expectations
- Consistently deliver high-quality cuisine aligned with luxury event standards
- Maintain strong food cost controls while preserving premium quality
- Execute flawless timing and coordination with front-of-house teams
- Enhance guest satisfaction through memorable, customized dining experiences
- Contribute to Aldrich Mansion’s reputation as a premier New England event venue