Executive Chef

SkyBridge Luxury & Associates is partnering with a growing hospitality company on the coast of Maine to source an innovative Catering Executive Chef. This newly created role is pivotal in driving culinary excellence, menu innovation, and operational leadership for an expanding catering division. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for local, seasonal ingredients, a creative approach to menu development, and exceptional leadership skills to deliver memorable catering experiences for high-end events, weddings, and corporate functions.

We are seeking a visionary culinary leader with a strong background in luxury catering, large-scale event execution, and team development. The Catering Executive Chef will be responsible for concept creation, menu design, operational efficiency, and quality assurance, ensuring every event reflects the brand's commitment to excellence, authenticity, and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development & Innovation: Design and curate seasonal, locally inspired menus tailored to weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee all culinary operations for the catering division, including kitchen management, food preparation, and event execution, ensuring seamless service delivery.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation, ensuring consistent excellence across all events.
• Team Development & Training: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and collaboration.
• Event Execution: Collaborate with event planners, sales teams, and clients to design customized menus that align with the theme, style, and dietary preferences of each event.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Manage food and labor costs, ensuring profitability while maintaining the integrity of premium offerings.
• Supplier & Vendor Relations: Source and maintain relationships with local farmers, artisans, and premium vendors, supporting sustainability and authenticity in menu design.
• Creativity & Presentation: Lead the plating design and culinary presentation for high-profile events, ensuring visually stunning and memorable experiences.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with event coordinators, service teams, and management to ensure seamless event execution and guest satisfaction.
• Growth & Expansion Strategy: Contribute to the strategic growth of the catering division, including expanding market reach and enhancing brand visibility.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience as an Executive Chef in luxury catering, high-end events, or fine dining establishments.
• Proven expertise in large-scale event execution, including menu customization, high-volume production, and operational logistics.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team development, training, and performance management.
• In-depth knowledge of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with a passion for culinary creativity and innovation.
• Financial acumen in budgeting, cost control, and revenue management.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, with the ability to multitask and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Culinary degree from a reputable culinary school is preferred.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent in food safety and sanitation.