Executive Chef

Pacific Hospitality Group•Huntington Beach, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of all culinary operations, with a primary focus on banquet and event execution. This role ensures the successful planning, preparation, production, and delivery of all food offerings while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and financial performance. The Executive Chef is accountable for driving operational excellence across banquet and restaurant operations, with a strong emphasis on high-volume event execution, team leadership, and cost control.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Culinary Program or Apprenticeship; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred
Minimum of 4–6 years of progressive culinary leadership experience in a high-volume hotel or banquet environment
Prior Banquet Chef experience in a high-volume, luxury hotel environment strongly preferred
Proven expertise in large-scale banquet production, event execution, and high-quality food presentation
Strong leadership presence with the ability to effectively lead, develop, and hold teams accountable in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and execute operations proactively, eliminating reactive or last-minute execution
Solid understanding of labor management, including scheduling, forecasting, and payroll oversight to meet financial targets
Experience with ordering, inventory control, par level management, and cost containment practices
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with banquet, purchasing, and leadership teams
Comprehensive knowledge of culinary operations, including food safety and sanitation standards, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance
Ability to analyze business levels and anticipate operational needs to ensure proper staffing and resource allocation
High level of professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail, with a focus on consistency and execution

Responsibilities

Lead all banquet culinary operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution for all events
Oversee planning, preparation, and production aligned with BEOs and event requirements
Ensure timely service, proper presentation, and consistency across all plates
Act as a visible leader during events, actively supporting execution and addressing issues in real time
Collaborate with banquet leadership to ensure seamless coordination and guest satisfaction
Direct and oversee all culinary operations including planning, preparation, production, and presentation
Monitor daily kitchen operations to ensure standards exceed guest expectations
Implement corrective actions when standards are not met
Develop menus and culinary offerings in collaboration with Food & Beverage leadership
Lead, train, and develop culinary teams, including Sous Chefs and banquet staff
Oversee hiring, scheduling, performance management, and disciplinary actions
Provide direction and mentorship to ensure team success and accountability
Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on business demands and labor targets
Drive structured planning for all banquet and kitchen operations, including forecasting and prep execution
Ensure kitchen readiness for all events through proper organization, inventory, and staffing
Participate in weekly and monthly planning meetings to align on operations and business needs
Achieve budgeted revenue goals while controlling food and labor costs
Manage inventory, ordering, and portion control to minimize waste and maximize profitability
Utilize forecasting tools and reports to make informed operational decisions
Align purchasing with event volume and operational needs
Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and portioning across all outlets and events
Circulate through banquet and kitchen areas to monitor quality and guest satisfaction
Respond to guest feedback and implement improvements as needed
Maintain strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
Ensure compliance with company, local, state, and federal guidelines
Address and resolve safety concerns immediately