Complex Executive Chef
As the Complex Executive Chef at LACMA, you will lead all culinary operations across a complex, high-visibility cultural campus that includes catering and events, a destination restaurant, a wine bar, and a café for museum guests and staff. This role is responsible for setting culinary direction and ensuring that food production is on-trend, efficient, safe, and consistently executed. You will oversee menu development, purchasing, inventory, food cost controls, and the leadership and development of the culinary team in partnership with operations and events leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead culinary operations across catering and events, destination restaurant, wine bar, and café at LACMA
- Establish and maintain high culinary standards focused on quality, consistency, and presentation
- Develop menus that reflect seasonality, wellness, cultural relevance, and guest expectations
- Train, mentor, and inspire the culinary leadership team and hourly associates
- Partner with operations and events teams to plan and execute catered functions and special events
- Manage food cost, purchasing, inventory, and production efficiency
- Analyze performance trends and lead continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards
- Maintain a strong understanding of daily menus and concepts and communicate them clearly to guests and partners
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience
- Bachelor's degree in food service management, hospitality, or related field preferred
- Five plus years of progressive culinary leadership experience in a complex or multi outlet environment
- Experience planning and managing catering and special events from a culinary perspective
- Strong, collaborative leadership style with a focus on team development
- Knowledge of current food and catering trends with attention to quality, cost control, and execution
- Proficiency with basic computer tools including email and Microsoft Office
- Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, clients, and culinary teams
- ServSafe certification or ability to obtain
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.