Corporate Chef - Thompson Hospitality Services

Thompson Hospitality Corporation•Reston, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Bring your passion for food and leadership to the next level! We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Corporate Chef to join our team. This role is perfect for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves mentoring others, and is excited to shape menus and standards across multiple locations. If you’re a hands-on leader with a strong culinary background and the ability to inspire teams, this is your opportunity to make a national impact while showcasing your creativity and expertise.

Requirements

Degree in Culinary Arts from a recognized institution (CIA, Johnson & Wales, or similar) or equivalent industry experience.
At least five years of progressive leadership in food production or culinary management.
Experience managing multi-unit culinary operations strongly preferred.
Skilled in business systems with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with menu management tools such as Webtrition is a plus.
ServSafe certification required; Certified Executive Chef designation preferred.
Strong understanding of purchasing programs, cost control, and compliance standards.
Ability to travel extensively—up to 80% of the time.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in kitchen, office, and training environments
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40–50 lbs (equipment, ingredients, product samples)
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and twisting during kitchen operations and demonstrations
Ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments and adapt to varying operational demands
Manual dexterity to safely operate knives, cooking equipment, and presentation tools
Ability to travel between locations and work at multiple sites as required
Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and noisy environments, including production kitchens and event venues
Stamina to perform repetitive tasks and long workdays, including occasional evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multi-unit culinary operations strongly preferred.
Familiarity with menu management tools such as Webtrition is a plus.
Certified Executive Chef designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead orientation for new Chefs, ensuring a strong understanding of culinary standards and company food programs.
Partner with clients to design and implement menu cycles tailored to their needs.
Play an active role in opening new accounts and supporting renovation projects within the territory.
Provide strategic culinary leadership and guidance to chefs across multiple locations nationwide.
Recruit and assess culinary talent by conducting interviews and practical cooking demonstrations.
Support professional growth through coaching, training, and mentoring of culinary teams, fostering creativity and high performance.
Collaborate regularly with the Corporate Executive Chef, Regional Operations leadership, and unit-level teams to ensure clear communication and alignment.
Uphold regulatory compliance and maintain best practices in food safety and preparation.
Consistently demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a commitment to quality service in every interaction.