Director Of Culinary Operations

Culinary Director / Executive Chef - Chicago, IL

A fast-growing, entrepreneurial hospitality group is seeking an experienced leader to elevate catering operations in Chicago. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategy, drive growth, and help set new standards for luxury and operational rigor within a tight-knit, hands-on company culture.

Culinary Director / Executive Chef - Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive base salary ($90K–$110K+ depending on experience)
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Equity is part of the conversation for strong candidates
• Full relocation available for the right candidate
• Opportunity for real operational impact and career growth
• Chance to shape company culture and standards

Culinary Director / Executive Chef - Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of culinary leadership
• Extensive catering or banquet-focused experience
• Proven success in large-scale event execution (NYC luxury catering, 4/5-star hotel banquets, or major hospitality groups preferred)
• Strong operational systems and process mindset
• Demonstrated financial acumen and budget ownership
• Leadership maturity and ability to scale operations
• Ownership mentality and commitment to high standards

Culinary Operations Director Preferred Background & Skills

• Experience working with NYC-level catering standards or luxury hotel events
• Track record of building efficient systems and scalable processes
• Familiarity with fast-growth hospitality environments

Culinary Director / Executive Chef - Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Oversee and scale all aspects of culinary and catering operations while maintaining luxury-level quality
• Build, implement, and refine operational systems for efficiency and consistency
• Lead and mentor a diverse team, fostering accountability and excellence
• Strategize to deliver flawless large-scale events and high-touch client experiences
• Monitor financial performance, manage budgets, and optimize resources
• Champion a company culture rooted in hospitality, teamwork, and growth

This is a rare chance to bring your high-end catering leadership to an environment where your operational expertise and ownership mentality are truly valued and rewarded.