What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Event Chef position at M Culinary Concepts?
Unleash Your Culinary Passion: Special Event Chef
M Culinary Concept is searching for a passionate Special Event Chef to join our vibrant team and help us create incredible catering experiences across the Southwest. We’re an award-winning catering company based in Phoenix, AZ (we're talking TOP COMPANIES TO WORK FOR & GREAT PLACE TO WORK three years running!).
About the Role:
Event Planning & Coordination:
· Design and execute menus tailored to special events, including VIP hospitality & concessions.
· Coordinate with Special Events Team (SPEV) to align food service with event schedules and attendance.
· Oversee all aspects of food production from prep to service for events ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of guests daily.
Operations & Logistics Management:
· Plan and coordinate power distribution for cooking equipment, refrigeration, holding units, lighting. Identify power needs for specific equipment.
· Work closely with SPEV team to map kitchen layouts, ensuring efficient workflow and safe spacing of utility lines.
· Lead and manage kitchen staff, including sous chefs, cooks, and temporary event personnel.
· Establish production timelines and ensure efficient workflow during high-volume service.
· Plan and manage bulk food preparation, distribution, and on-site setup.
· Ensure proper equipment, inventory, and staffing are in place for each event.
Food Safety & Compliance:
· Enforce strict adherence to food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and health codes.
· Maintain proper food handling, storage, and temperature control.
· Ensure compliance with local and state regulations, including utility and fire safety codes.
· Assist SPEV team in application of and securing permits from local Department of Health.
Additional Responsibilities:
· Work closely with Procurement Department in cost control through efficient purchasing, portioning, and waste reduction.
· Manage inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers for timely deliveries.
· Track food and labor costs for each event.
M Culinary Concept: Where Food is Fun!
Forget stuffy corporate kitchens. At M Culinary Concepts, we're a passionate crew obsessed with crafting amazing food & beverage experiences. Our core values???Inspiring Passion, Service to Others, Humbly Confident and Making Huge Fun! Think fast-paced, collaborative, and full of good times (and of course, delicious food!).
The Perks You Deserve:
You'll enjoy a flexible schedule, opportunities for advancement and daily grab-and-go lunches made by our amazing chefs! Plus, you'll stay connected with our internal app and experience the spirit that makes M Culinary Concepts so special.
What we need from you:
We’re looking for a highly organized and experienced culinary professional who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership skills, a hands-on approach, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency. You should have experience with large-scale food production, team supervision, and event execution, along with a solid understanding of food safety standards. Flexibility, reliability, and a positive, team-focused attitude are essential, as well as the ability to adapt quickly and perform under pressure during large events.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· High-volume food production expertise
· Infrastructure & utility planning
· Leadership & team coordination
· Event logistics & planning
· Time management & multitasking
· Problem-solving under pressure
· Strong communication skills
· Attention to detail and safety compliance
· Extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, with a strong combination of sales, operations, and client management expertise.
· Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor teams in high-volume, fast-paced environments, with a strong capacity to assess skills, implement changes, and drive continuous improvement.
· Proficient in MS Office products
· Computer and software savvy, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong listening abilities.
· Operates with a strong sense of teamwork, urgency, and professionalism.
· Exhibits discretion, takes direction, and accepts constructive feedback.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not currently have direct reports; however, will oversee Event Captains and line-level team members on a event-by-event basis, working closely with other managers to ensure seamless coordination and execution.
Ready to Join the M Culinary Team
If you're an energetic Special Event Chef who thrives in a fun and fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you! Apply using our mobile-friendly application today!