Catering & Events Chef

High Spirits Hospitality•Dunean, SC

5d•$24 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

High Spirits Hospitality is seeking a Catering & Events Chef to join their team. This role is crucial in building and growing the company's food program, delivering high-quality culinary experiences for various events. The position involves hands-on cooking, kitchen leadership, food safety, operational ownership, and event execution. Initially, the role will focus on 3-5 food events per month, with a gradual increase to 90% of the time dedicated to the food business by fall. The company emphasizes a REMARKABLE team culture, inclusivity, and exceeding expectations.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in a relevant role, specifically in catering or banquet kitchens.
Lead with respect and inclusivity—we proudly serve clients of all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and relationships, and team members must be able to support all clients with professionalism and care.
Remarkable leadership skills and the ability to guide clients and teammates with confidence.
Comfortable using Microsoft Office tools and other technology to stay organized and efficient.
Able to communicate clearly and professionally in English, both verbally and in writing, to perform the essential functions of the role.
Highly organized, analytical, and ready to tackle challenges with creative problem-solving.
Present yourself professionally and confidently in client meetings, venue tours, networking events, and on-site event support roles.
Flexibility to work frequent evenings and weekends to accommodate client needs.
Comfortable serving in occasional on-site event leadership roles, including venue management, wedding coordination, or assistant coordination support.
At least 21 years old due to alcohol service.
A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle for daily travel between venues and our corporate office.
A cell phone with voice, text, and data capabilities available for work use.
Able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing and walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs.
Hold a high school diploma or GED.
Able to successfully pass a background check consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the role.
Able to successfully pass a drug screening consistent with applicable law and company policy.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Maintain a SC Alcohol Server and ServSafe Food Manager Certificate.

Nice To Haves

A college degree is not required—we care more about your experience and attitude.

Responsibilities

Own culinary execution for catering events, including prep, production, transport readiness, service flow, and breakdown.
Own food quality, consistency, sanitation, and compliance with food safety standards.
Own kitchen organization, inventory, purchasing, storage systems, and inspection readiness.
Own recipe consistency, menu support, and operational improvements that help the food division scale.
Own strong collaboration with event teams to keep service smooth, timely, and guest-focused.
Prepare and execute menus for weddings and events, including buffets, stations, and plated dinners for groups ranging from 25 to 500 guests.
Lead food production from prep through service, ensuring quality, consistency, timing, and presentation.
Supervise kitchen staff and event-day culinary team members while maintaining a productive, organized work environment.
Ensure all food is prepared, stored, transported, held, and served according to company standards and food safety requirements.
Set-up and maintain visually appealing food buffets and stations.
Coordinate closely with venue managers, planners, and bar teams to keep service aligned with event timelines.
Manage on-site kitchen flow during service, including plating, replenishment, and breakdown.
Oversee storage, labeling, sanitation, and cleanliness so kitchen spaces remain organized and inspection-ready.
Manage inventory and purchasing, receive and verify deliveries, and maintain organization across walk-ins, freezers, dry storage, and prep areas.
Prepare tastings, samplings, and staff meals.
Identify equipment needs, maintenance issues, and process improvements that strengthen the kitchen and food program.
Lead assigned event setup and service shifts, helping ensure spaces are prepared correctly, timelines stay on track, and event operations run smoothly.
Lead assigned venue shifts from setup through breakdown, supervising staff, overseeing front-of-house flow, and helping ensure events run smoothly, safely, and to company standards.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for clients, guests, vendors, and contractors, responding calmly and professionally to changing needs, operational issues, and event concerns.
Monitor vendors, contractors, and staff for safety violations and compliance concerns—particularly in food service, alcohol service, and life safety areas—and address or escalate issues promptly.
Complete physical event work, including setup, breakdown, resets, and cleaning tasks, while staying attentive, flexible, and responsive throughout the event.
Take ownership of assigned work, follow through on commitments, and communicate proactively when support or clarification is needed.
Represent High Spirits Hospitality with professionalism and reflect our brand values in your work, communication, decision-making, and service to others.
Communicate quickly and professionally with clients, guests, teammates, vendors, and partners, recognizing that some work-related communication may occur after hours due to the event-based nature of our business.
Handle client, vendor, and employee concerns with professionalism, sound judgment, and timely escalation when needed.
Support a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment that aligns with our company culture and standards.
Be dependable, solutions-focused, and adaptable as business needs, priorities, and event conditions change.
Use company technology, communication platforms, and digital systems consistently, accurately, and responsibly to complete your work and stay informed.
Submit digital documents, reports, checklists, receipts, and other required records accurately and on time.
Attend required company meetings, trainings, and check-ins as scheduled, and come prepared to actively participate.
Stay well-versed in company offerings, policies, safety standards, and service expectations, and follow updates as they are communicated.
Handle company, client, and employee information with professionalism, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality.
Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and company procedures related to your work, including safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and workplace conduct standards.
Use company property, equipment, and workspaces responsibly and help maintain them in clean, organized, working condition.
Support alcohol service or alcohol-related event duties as needed, in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
Maintain a professional appearance and present yourself in a way that reflects our hospitality standards and brand.
Perform other duties and support additional shifts or assignments as needed based on business needs.
Perform hands-on operational work as needed, including moving equipment, setting spaces, and supporting venue readiness.