Executive Sous Chef

Sous Chef – Custom Catering & Events

Perfect Setting Catering

Berwyn, PA | Serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, Chester County, and surrounding areas

Full-Time

About Perfect Setting Catering

For more than 30 years, Perfect Setting Catering has been a trusted name in exceptional catering and heartfelt hospitality. We specialize in creating beautiful gatherings, delivering highly personalized culinary experiences for weddings, private celebrations, corporate functions, nonprofit events, and luxury social occasions throughout the Philadelphia region.

We are known for creating truly custom experiences where every menu, timeline, and guest experience reflects the unique vision of our clients. Our ingredient-driven menus emphasize fresh, seasonal flavors, and our professional team is committed to hospitality that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for.

Our events range from intimate dinners for 10 guests to large-scale celebrations serving more than 2,000 attendees. No two events are exactly alike.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Sous Chef to join our growing culinary team. This position collaborates directly with our Executive Chef in our Berwyn production kitchen and plays a critical role in the planning, preparation, and execution of custom menus for a wide variety of events.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment and enjoys the challenge of producing unique menus for every client. In addition to kitchen production responsibilities, the Sous Chef will regularly represent Perfect Setting at off-premises events, serving as the lead culinary professional on-site and ensuring flawless event execution.

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who enjoys variety, leadership, creativity, and the excitement of both kitchen production and event execution.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Production & Culinary Execution

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to prepare and execute customized menus.
• Produce high-quality food for weddings, corporate events, galas, social celebrations, and private gatherings.
• Execute a variety of service styles, including:
• Cocktail receptions
• Passed hors d'oeuvres
• Plated dinners
• Buffets
• Chef-attended action stations
• Brunches
• Family-style service
• Specialty and themed events
• Ensure consistency, presentation, and quality standards are maintained throughout production.
• Assist with production scheduling and event preparation.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
• Support inventory management and product organization.

Event Leadership

• Lead culinary operations at off-premises events throughout Philadelphia, the Main Line, and Chester County.
• Serve as Head Chef for select events and high-profile clients.
• Manage on-site culinary teams and coordinate with event managers, service staff, venue personnel, and vendors.
• Oversee final food preparation, plating, presentation, and service timing.
• Ensure the guest experience reflects Perfect Setting's commitment to excellence and hospitality.
• Adapt quickly and professionally to the dynamic nature of off-premises catering events.

Team Development & Leadership

• Help train, mentor, and support kitchen staff.
• Foster a positive, solutions-oriented team culture.
• Lead by example through professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.
• Contribute ideas for menu development and culinary innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional culinary experience preferred.
• Previous catering, banquet, country club, hotel, fine dining, or event experience strongly preferred.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as event schedules require.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work on your feet for extended periods.

What Makes This Position Different

At Perfect Setting, you will never be stuck producing the same menu week after week.

One day you may be crafting an intimate tasting menu for a private estate dinner on the Main Line. The next, you could be leading a culinary team serving hundreds of guests at a wedding, gala, or corporate event. Our commitment to truly custom experiences means creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Create custom menus rather than execute pre-set packages.
• Collaborate directly with talented chefs and event professionals.
• Participate in events ranging from 10 to 2,000 guests.
• Experience a variety of venues and event styles throughout the region.
• Be part of a company known for exceptional hospitality, fresh seasonal cuisine, and personalized service.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership abilities.

To Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction describing your culinary background, catering and event experience, and what excites you about joining a company that creates one-of-a-kind events throughout the Philadelphia region.

Perfect Setting Catering

29 Bridge Avenue

Berwyn, PA 19312

www.perfectsettingcatering.com