Position: Director of Culinary Operations
Company: Premier Catering & Events Company
Location: Union Square, NYC

Are you a passionate and strong culinary professional with a proven track record in catering and events, ready to elevate your career with a leading, independently owned company? Based in Union Square, our organization is recognized for its exceptional culinary offerings and seamless event execution. We are seeking a Director of Culinary Operations to join our leadership team and drive operational excellence while embodying our commitment to quality, innovation, and service.
The ideal candidate has experience and background in BOH as Corporate Ex-Chef and ideally worked for a catering company as well where they were in charge of all aspects of the catering and events.

Why This Opportunity?

• Leadership Impact: Lead the operations of a highly successful company, reporting directly to ownership.
• Professional Growth: Collaborate with a talented Director of Sales and oversee a dynamic, high-performing team.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision coverage, accident insurance, extended PTO, and performance-based bonuses.
• Work-Life Balance: Monday to Friday schedule with flexibility for events and some remote work opportunities.
• Attractive Compensation: Competitive salary range of $120K-$140K, with bonuses.

Role Overview
The Director of Culinary Operations is a pivotal role, responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily operations, culinary excellence, and event logistics while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This leader will foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring seamless execution across all departments.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Manage day-to-day operations, including logistics, staff scheduling, and vendor partnerships.
• Collaborate with the sales team to plan and execute high-profile events, ensuring flawless delivery.
• Maintain compliance with all legal, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Lead sustainability initiatives to align with company goals and industry best practices.

Culinary Leadership

• Oversee the culinary team, ensuring adherence to company standards of quality and innovation.
• Develop and implement seasonal menus for catering and events, reflecting the company’s ethos and culinary direction.
• Standardize recipes and enhance kitchen processes for efficiency and consistency.
• Uphold rigorous compliance with health and sanitation regulations.

Financial and Strategic Planning

• Partner with ownership to develop and manage budgets, optimizing operations within financial parameters.
• Analyze key performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Collaborate on business development initiatives to achieve and exceed sales targets.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, and retain top talent, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Lead weekly management meetings to address challenges and align on goals.
• Monitor team performance and productivity, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in back-of-house operations, with a background as a Corporate Executive Chef for a catering company, where they successfully managed all facets of catering and event production. A strategic thinker with a strong operational acumen, this individual will bring creativity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence to the role.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years as corporate ex chef/culinary director
• Culinary Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of kitchen operations, menu development, and large-scale event execution.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to build, manage, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Business Acumen: Proficiency in tools such as TripleSeat, QuickBooks, and project management platforms.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and compliance standards.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English required; Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Join Our Team
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of an esteemed NYC-based catering and events company. If you are a driven professional with a passion for culinary excellence and operational leadership, we invite you to apply and make your mark in this impactful role.