Catering Chef

The Catering Chef leads culinary operations for catering, special events, VIP functions, executive-level programs, and other catered experiences within Palo Alto Networks' high-volume, fast-paced corporate dining environment and reports to the Culinary Director.

This is a hands-on culinary leadership role responsible for catering execution, culinary quality, menu development, event production and logistics, team development, food safety and sanitation, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and consistent execution of Bon Appétit standards.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all culinary aspects of catering, VIP events, executive functions, conferences, activations, and large-scale special events.

Maintain a hands-on leadership presence and ensure high standards for food quality, flavor, presentation, timing, consistency, and hospitality from the kitchen through the event site.

Lead, coach, and develop catering culinary employees through clear expectations, training, feedback, accountability, and opportunities for growth.

Develop catering menus and culinary experiences that balance creativity, guest expectations, labor, equipment, production capability, transportation, budget, and event logistics.

Review event details, menus, BEOs or event specifications, production schedules, staffing, equipment, and prep requirements to ensure operational readiness.

Manage multiple events and priorities while proactively resolving production, staffing, equipment, transportation, ingredient, or service challenges.

Manage food cost, purchasing, inventory, waste, event expenditures, and product utilization while following approved Bon Appétit purchasing and sustainability standards.

Maintain and reinforce food-safety, sanitation, allergen, workplace-safety, and audit-readiness standards throughout production, transportation, setup, and event service.

Maintain a professional, responsive, and hospitality-focused presence when working with clients, executives, VIP guests, event planners, and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Culinary degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.

Three to five years of progressive culinary-management experience.

Significant catering, events, banquet, or hospitality leadership experience.

High-volume catering and complex event-production experience strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of menu development, production planning, BEOs or event specifications, purchasing, inventory, food cost, and labor management.

Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, allergen management, culinary trends, quality, and presentation.

Corporate dining, hotel, conference center, convention, or large-scale catering experience preferred.

Strong computer and administrative skills using Microsoft Office, Outlook, email, and applicable catering or event-management systems.

Operational Expectations

Must be comfortable working in an active, high-volume catering and event environment with changing priorities and multiple simultaneous functions.

Must be prepared to work the hours necessary to successfully lead the operation and meet Bon Appétit management standards, business demands, and leadership responsibilities.

Schedule flexibility may be required based on event schedules, early-morning or evening functions, staffing, business volume, and operational needs.

Must be comfortable supporting events throughout a large, multi-kitchen campus environment.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

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Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.