Senior Executive Catering Chef - Up to $150K

Catering Executive Chef

Confidential Search | Washington, DC Metropolitan Area

$125,000–$150,000+ Base Salary + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits

Position Summary

A premier hospitality and catering organization is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Catering Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for high-profile off-premise events throughout the Washington, DC region.

This role requires a proven leader with extensive experience managing luxury off-premise catering operations, large-scale event production, weddings, galas, corporate events, and VIP experiences. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in culinary innovation, event execution, team leadership, and financial management while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation.

Required Experience

Candidates must have significant experience in high-end off-premise catering.

Preferred backgrounds include:

• Luxury catering companies
• High-end social events and weddings
• Corporate catering
• Museum and cultural institution catering
• Convention and large-scale event catering
• Sports and entertainment venue catering
• Multi-million-dollar catering operations

Key Responsibilities

• Direct all culinary operations for large-scale off-premise catering events.
• Develop innovative seasonal menus and customized client experiences.
• Lead production, logistics, and event execution for high-volume catered functions.
• Manage food costs, labor budgets, inventory, and purchasing.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain top culinary talent.
• Collaborate with sales and event teams to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years as an Executive Chef or Catering Executive Chef.
• Demonstrated success leading luxury off-premise catering operations.
• Experience executing events ranging from intimate VIP dinners to large-scale functions.
• Strong financial acumen with food cost and labor management expertise.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $125,000–$150,000+
• Performance Bonus
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance

Apply Confidentially

Qualified candidates should submit a current resume in confidence.

Email:tombull@geckohospitality

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.

With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision-makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.

Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruits chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.