What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Catering Chef position at Spice Catering Co.?
Benefits:
Location: Spice Headquarters, 5601 Tillman Ave. Cle, Ohio 44102
Position Type: Full-Time
Overview
The Executive Catering Chef is responsible for the overall culinary performance of the catering division, including execution, systems, team leadership, and financial results. This role ensures that all catering experiences—both in production and on-site—are executed with consistency, efficiency, and a high level of hospitality.
This position bridges culinary vision and real-world execution, translating standards into scalable systems while leading a team capable of delivering both high-volume and high-touch events.
Key Responsibilities
Catering Culinary Ownership
Spice is a founder-owned, mission-based company. Our purpose is Changing how people connect with food and our focus is thoughtful hospitality experiences.
At Spice, we make a PACT - a shared commitment to uphold the values that define our culture. This PACT shapes how we work, grow, and deliver unforgettable experiences.
Our Core Values: P.A.C.T.
- Dental insurance
- Employee discounts
- Free food & snacks
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Location: Spice Headquarters, 5601 Tillman Ave. Cle, Ohio 44102
Position Type: Full-Time
Overview
The Executive Catering Chef is responsible for the overall culinary performance of the catering division, including execution, systems, team leadership, and financial results. This role ensures that all catering experiences—both in production and on-site—are executed with consistency, efficiency, and a high level of hospitality.
This position bridges culinary vision and real-world execution, translating standards into scalable systems while leading a team capable of delivering both high-volume and high-touch events.
Key Responsibilities
Catering Culinary Ownership
- Own all culinary aspects of the catering division from production through off-site execution
- Ensure quality, consistency, and presentation across all catering offerings
- Act as the culinary lead for all catering-related initiatives, events, and execution
- Maintain alignment with Corporate Executive Chef on standards and direction.
- Oversee planning, preparation, and execution of all catering events
- Lead or oversee execution of large-scale, high-profile, or complex events
- Ensure all events are delivered accurately, on time, and to standard
- Identify and resolve execution issues in real time
- Build and maintain systems for prep, production, packing, and event execution
- Standardize recipes, prep guides, and workflows to ensure consistency and scalability
- Drive efficiency in commissary production while maintaining quality
- Partner with warehouse and logistics teams to streamline product and equipment flow
- Collaborate with Corporate Executive Chef on overall culinary vision
- Develop and evolve catering menus with focus on seasonality and execution
- Ensure menus are both innovative and operationally executable
- Support custom menu development in partnership with Sales
- Own catering food cost, labor cost, and prime cost performance
- Ensure all recipes and menus are properly costed and profitable
- Manage purchasing, inventory, and waste reduction practices
- Meet or exceed budgetary targets for catering culinary operations
- Lead, manage, and develop catering BOH team (CDCs, Sous Chefs, event staff)
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management
- Maintain staffing levels aligned with business needs and financial targets
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Work closely with Catering Director and Sales team to ensure accurate, executable events
- Partner with Event Operations to ensure seamless event flow
- Collaborate with logistics and warehouse teams on systems and execution
- Coordinate with farm and forage partners to align sourcing with menu needs
- Ensure all kitchens and events meet health code and ODA standards
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and audit readiness at all times
- Set and enforce performance standards for food quality and execution
- Continuously improve systems to reduce errors and increase consistency
- Proven experience in high-volume catering or production kitchens
- Strong leadership and team development ability
- Deep understanding of off-site catering logistics and execution
- Systems-driven mindset with ability to scale operations
- Financial acumen in costing, budgeting, and inventory control
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Spice is a founder-owned, mission-based company. Our purpose is Changing how people connect with food and our focus is thoughtful hospitality experiences.
At Spice, we make a PACT - a shared commitment to uphold the values that define our culture. This PACT shapes how we work, grow, and deliver unforgettable experiences.
Our Core Values: P.A.C.T.
- Protect Your Peace Prioritize well-being by setting boundaries, managing stress, and maintaining balance for sustainable performance.
- Always Learning Stay curious and adaptable, embracing opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.
- Cultivate Joy Celebrate achievements, foster positivity, and create uplifting experiences for our team and guests.
- Trust Respect Act with integrity, value diverse perspectives, and treat everyone with honesty and dignity.