Regional Executive Chef, Hospitality

Continental Services•Troy, MI

About The Position

The Regional Executive Chef is a senior culinary leader responsible for overseeing a large-scale, multi-faceted off-premises catering operation. This role leads all culinary strategy and execution across exclusive venues and true off-premise catering events, where all food, equipment, and staff are transported to locations ranging from 10 minutes to 4 hours away. This individual must possess the ability to see the full culinary and operational picture, manage numerous moving parts simultaneously, and lead a diverse team with compassion, accountability, and excellence. The Regional Executive Chef will be deeply involved in menu development, staffing, systems oversight, budgeting, large-scale event execution, and organizational growth, while also being hands-on and supportive when needed.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience leading a multi-faceted off-premises catering culinary program
ServSafe Certification required
Proven experience managing large teams and complex event operations
Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated success in team building, talent recruitment, and leadership development
Ability to see the “big picture” while managing detailed execution
Experience with large-scale event planning and execution
Strong understanding of food and labor budgeting
Flexible schedule with availability as needed, including weekends and peak event periods

Nice To Haves

2–4 year culinary degree strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee and execute the culinary vision for all off-premise catering programs and exclusive venues
Create, develop, and standardize menus that balance creativity, scalability, quality, and profitability
Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and execution across all events and locations
Lead recipe development, testing, documentation, and implementation
Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and compliance across all operations
Plan, manage, and execute large-scale events with complex logistics and timelines
Oversee all culinary aspects of off-site events, including prep, packing, transportation, on-site execution, and breakdown
Collaborate with operations, sales, and event teams to ensure seamless execution
Anticipate challenges and proactively problem-solve in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
Maintain operational excellence for events occurring simultaneously across multiple locations
Build, structure, and lead a large, diverse culinary team across regions and venues
Create organizational charts, define roles, and establish clear lines of accountability
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and retain top culinary talent
Foster a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture rooted in respect and teamwork
Lead with a compassionate, likable management style while holding teams accountable
Be willing to “get in the trenches,” roll up sleeves, and support the team as needed
Oversee scheduling to ensure proper staffing for events, prep, and venue operations
Balance labor efficiency with service and execution standards
Adjust staffing plans as business needs evolve
Maintain a strong understanding of culinary budgets, food costs, labor, and overall financial performance
Work collaboratively with leadership to manage budgets and drive profitability
Understand and effectively utilize a wide variety of operational systems (inventory, scheduling, costing, production, etc.)
Ensure purchasing, production, and execution align with budgetary goals
Serve as a key point of contact for culinary leadership across the organization
Be available to respond to phone calls and emails seven days a week, as business needs require
Communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams, leadership, and external partners
Ensure full compliance with company policies, food safety regulations, and local/state requirements
Lead by example in professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct
Continuously evaluate processes and implement improvements aligned with company standards and growth goals