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Catering Chef Needed (Mesa)
6625 E. Southern Ave near Power Rd & Southern
compensation:
Contract to Salary
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Catering AZ is looking for an experienced chef who is interested in much more than picking up occasional catering shifts.
We are an established Phoenix-area catering company founded in 2006. Our primary business has traditionally been weddings, corporate functions, private parties and other special events. As the event industry has changed since the pandemic, we have continued our special-event business while developing a recurring corporate lunch program designed to create a more consistent year-round operation.
We are looking for the right chef to grow with us through that expansion.
This will initially be contract/event-based work, with the goal of transitioning the right person into the Executive Chef position within approximately six months, depending on performance and company growth. Our longer-term goal is to develop this into a profit-sharing/partnership opportunity, potentially within the first year.
This is not an entry-level chef position.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
• Minimum 5 years professional restaurant/kitchen experience
• Culinary degree OR equivalent professional training and experience
• Strong background in scratch or predominantly scratch cooking
• Excellent knife skills
• Experience fabricating and portioning proteins, including beef, pork, poultry and fish
• Strong understanding of yield, usable trim and portion control
• Excellent mise en place, organization and production planning
• Ability to scale recipes and production for larger events
• Ability to execute established Catering AZ recipes and menus accurately
• Ability to develop original dishes and menus
• Leadership experience and the ability to direct kitchen/prep staff
• Understanding of food cost, waste and inventory
• Strong food-safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry 50+ lbs, including food and catering equipment
• Reliable transportation capable of transporting catering food/equipment
• Availability for a variable catering schedule, including some nights and weekends
• Most importantly: reliable execution. Catering operates on deadlines. Food has to be prepared correctly, packed correctly and arrive at the event on time.
THE PERSON WE WANT
Technical ability matters, but personality matters here too.
We have a relaxed kitchen environment, but we take the food and the business seriously. We want someone organized, dependable, confident, creative and able to work well with a small team. A good sense of humor is highly encouraged. Ego and unnecessary kitchen drama are not.
The right person should also be interested in eventually taking ownership of the operation rather than simply showing up to cook.
The position will begin with a paid trial/working period so that both sides can determine whether the fit is right.
There will also be opportunities for commission-based sales for someone interested in helping bring new catering or corporate accounts into the company.
If you’re an experienced restaurant chef who has considered moving beyond restaurant life and eventually running an operation of your own, we’d especially like to hear from you.
TO APPLY
Please email your resume or a detailed description of your experience to chris@cateringaz.com.
Please include the types of kitchens you’ve worked in, your experience with protein fabrication and menu development, and a little about what you’re looking for in your next position.
Email: chris@cateringaz.com