Culinary Event Lead

Department: Managed Venue Administration 800406

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Events

Reporting To: Kenneth Rae

The Culinary Event Lead plays a critical role in the successful execution of off-premise catering events. This individual is responsible for leading culinary teams in the field, ensuring food quality, timing, organization, and overall execution meet company standards. The ideal candidate is a strong hands‑on culinarian with proven experience in commercial kitchens and a passion for leadership, teamwork, and hospitality. This role requires excellent planning, communication, and people‑management skills, along with the ability to thrive in fast‑paced, ever‑changing event environments.

• Lead the culinary execution of off‑premise catering events, ensuring food quality, presentation, timing, and service standards are met or exceeded
• Oversee on‑site food preparation, finishing, service flow, and breakdown
• Manage kitchen timelines, menu flow, staffing structure, and efficient use of kitchen and event space
• Act as the culinary point of contact on‑site, maintaining clear and professional communication with operations, front‑of‑house, and event leadership

• Lead, manage, and motivate culinary event staff in a positive, respectful, and ethical manner
• Train and mentor team members on execution standards, food safety, and event procedures
• Foster a fun, professional, and collaborative work environment where team members feel supported and respected

• Review event menus, BEOs, timelines, and logistics in advance to ensure readiness
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Front‑of‑House teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Identify and proactively solve challenges related to staffing, equipment, space, or timing

• Prep food in the commissary kitchen on non‑event days following standardized recipes and procedures
• Assist with production, packing, and organization of food and equipment for events
• Ensure accurate execution of menus from prep through final service

• Follow and enforce all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Maintain clean, organized work spaces both in commissary and on‑site
• Serve Safe certification required (or willingness to obtain within 90 days; company provided)

• Utilize electronic communication tools and event management systems effectively
• Learn and follow established SOPs while providing feedback for continuous improvement
• Maintain professional communication across departments before, during, and after events

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in commercial kitchens
• Large kitchen, banquet, or off‑premise catering experience strongly preferred
• 2‑ or 4‑year culinary degree preferred
• Proven ability to lead, train, and manage teams
• Strong understanding of menu execution, event timing, kitchen flow, and logistics
• Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast‑paced environments
• Proficiency with electronic communication and ability to learn new systems
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team‑first mindset

We offer a range of benefits for eligible team members, including:

• Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Voluntary Life/AD&D, Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability, Critical Illness
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Programs
• Additional Perks

This position offers the opportunity to join a large, well‑established catering company with an outstanding team culture, innovative systems, and proven standard operating procedures. We take pride in delivering exceptional events while maintaining a fun, respectful, and supportive work environment. The right candidate will be admired by peers, trusted by leadership, and empowered to grow within our organization.