Culinary Director / Catering Executive Chef - Charleston, South Carolina

Posted today

missionhiresCharleston (SC)

Chefs and Head Cooks Food Service Contractors

SENIORITY

Senior

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About the role

This role leads all culinary production across multiple outlets, including large-scale off-premise catering, an exclusive event venue, and a retail market. The Culinary Director ensures smooth, profitable, and collaborative operations while maintaining the company’s reputation for excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with a catering and events background who thrives in high-volume, logistics-driven environments.

Responsibilities: Lead, manage, and motivate the culinary team with clear communication and accountability. Oversee daily culinary operations across catering, retail, and venue outlets. Ensure consistent, high-quality food production for both on-site and off-site events, averaging 150+ guests per function. Partner with operations and sales to deliver seamless events and maximize profitability. Manage scheduling, staffing, and labor to align with financial targets. Control food and labor costs, inventory, and overall efficiency. Uphold sanitation, safety, and compliance standards. Support menu development and culinary innovation, balancing creativity with scalability and profitability. Train and develop staff, promoting growth, safety, and cross-functional knowledge.

Requirements:

8-10 years of progressive culinary experience, with a strong background in catering, hotels, or country clubs
Strong background in off-premise catering a HUGE PLUS.4+ years of supervisory/management experience leading diverse teams.
Proven ability to collaborate with operations and sales for client satisfaction and profitability.
Solid financial acumen: food costing, labor management, and budgeting.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Culinary degree preferred, but significant large-scale catering/banquet experience is essential.
Hands-on chef with the ability to execute and lead by example.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Caterease or inventory management systems a plus.

Benefits:

Bonus opportunities 401(k) with company contributions
Comprehensive health benefits
Family-owned business with a supportive, family-oriented culture
Creative freedom in menu development and event execution

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