Executive Chef

EXECUTIVE CHEF – OFF-SITE CATERING

Location: Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Company: Crave Culinaire Catering & Events
Part of the Crave Family of Brands

GREAT KITCHENS DON’T BUILD GREAT CHEFS.

GREAT CHEFS BUILD GREAT KITCHENS.

LEAD THE CULINARY VISION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S PREMIER OFF-SITE CATERING COMPANY

Crave Culinaire Catering & Events is seeking a seasoned Executive Chef and culinary leader with extensive off-site catering experience, a proven ability to build and lead exceptional teams, and the operational expertise required to execute high-level culinary experiences in dynamic environments.

This is an opportunity for a long-term culinary leader who wants to do more than run a kitchen.

We are looking for someone who wants to build a culinary operation, develop people, create systems, elevate standards, and help shape the future of Crave Culinaire.

This is a leadership opportunity for a chef who understands that exceptional food is the result of exceptional people, preparation, systems, discipline, and culture.

QUICK FACTS

Compensation
Salary to be discussed privately, in-person, based on experience.
Performance-Based Bonus Program

Position
Full-Time Executive Leadership

Location
Bonita Springs & Events Throughout Southwest Florida

Reports To
Ownership & Executive Leadership

Experience Required
Proven Executive Chef experience in upscale casual or fine dining restaurants, private clubs, country clubs, hotels, resorts with significant off-site catering operations.

Off-site catering experience is required.

THIS IS NOT A RESTAURANT CHEF ROLE.

Leading an off-site catering operation requires an entirely different level of planning, organization, adaptability, and execution.

Our Executive Chef must be equally comfortable:

• Leading a production kitchen
• Building menus and culinary experiences
• Planning large-scale events
• Managing food production across multiple locations
• Coordinating culinary logistics and transportation
• Leading teams in unfamiliar environments
• Executing events in private homes, venues, country clubs, hotels, and other unique locations
• Maintaining consistency when every event presents different challenges
• Managing food and labor costs
• Building systems that allow the operation to scale

This position requires operational precision, logistical mastery, creativity, organization, and exceptional leadership.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

As Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary operations of Crave Culinaire Catering & Events and play a critical role in shaping the future of our culinary program.

You will have the opportunity to build a kitchen and culinary culture you are proud of, while developing the people who make it possible.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading all culinary operations for Crave Culinaire
• Developing and maintaining Crave's culinary vision and standards
• Menu development and seasonal menu evolution
• Recipe development and standardization
• Food production systems and kitchen organization
• Off-site event planning, culinary logistics, and execution
• Building, training, mentoring, and retaining a high-performing culinary team
• Scheduling culinary personnel based on production and event requirements
• Managing purchasing, receiving, storage, and inventory
• Maintaining food quality, consistency, presentation, and safety standards
• Managing food cost, labor cost, and overall culinary profitability
• Establishing systems and processes that improve efficiency and consistency
• Collaborating with Ownership, Executive Leadership, Event Sales, Operations, and Event Management
• Personally leading culinary execution for key events and high-profile experiences
• Identifying and developing future culinary leaders within the organization

Success in this role will not be measured solely by the food coming out of the kitchen.

It will be measured by the strength of the team you build, the systems you create, the leaders you develop, and the experiences your team delivers.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an accomplished culinary professional who combines chef-level creativity with executive-level operational discipline.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant Executive Chef experience
• Extensive off-site catering experience
• Experience leading culinary operations for large or complex events
• A proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Exceptional organizational and logistical skills
• Strong leadership and communication abilities
• A calm, confident, and professional presence under pressure
• Strong financial and operational acumen
• Expertise in menu development and recipe standardization
• Experience managing food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and production
• The ability to establish systems and hold teams accountable to them
• A passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
• A commitment to professionalism, consistency, and continuous improvement
• ServSafe Certification
• Strong food, wine, and beverage knowledge

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who takes ownership.

Someone who sees problems before they become problems.

Someone who doesn't need to be told what needs to be done.

Someone who understands that leadership means being willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team succeed.

OUR EXECUTIVE CHEFS…

Taste everything.

Teach every day.

Lead by example.

Stay calm under pressure.

Obsess over the details.

Hold themselves accountable first.

Develop future chefs.

Never stop learning.

Stay humble.

Raise the standard every single day.

WHY JOIN CRAVE CULINAIRE?

• Negotiable starting salary, based on experience
• Performance-based bonus program
• Stable, year-round employment
• Leadership role with significant operational responsibility
• Direct collaboration with Ownership & Executive Leadership
• Opportunity to shape and lead the culinary direction of the company
• Opportunity to build and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Employee meals
• Paid vacation & PTO
• Long-term career growth within Crave Management Group
• The opportunity to work on a diverse range of premium events throughout Southwest Florida

WHO WE ARE

Crave Culinaire Catering & Events is the flagship catering brand of Crave Companies.

We create elevated dining experiences throughout Southwest Florida, from intimate private dinners and luxury residences to large-scale celebrations, corporate events, weddings, country clubs, and destination experiences.

Known for innovative cuisine, modern culinary techniques, thoughtful presentation, and exceptional hospitality, Crave Culinaire approaches catering differently.

We don't simply deliver food to an event.

We create experiences.

And we believe remarkable experiences are built by remarkable people.

That's why we invest in developing great leaders, exceptional hospitality professionals, and culinary teams who take pride in their craft.

BUILD SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL

Picture yourself leading a catering kitchen you're proud to build.

Developing a team you're proud to work beside.

Creating systems that make exceptional execution repeatable.

Walking into a challenging event environment and knowing your team is prepared.

Executing unforgettable dining experiences throughout Southwest Florida.

And growing alongside a hospitality company that is committed to investing in its people.

If you're ready to build something exceptional, we'd like to meet you.

JOIN CRAVE CULINAIRE.

BUILD SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL.

We Build Events People Love.
We Build Careers People Are Proud Of.

CRAVE CAREERS

Crave Culinaire Catering & Events
Part of the Crave Family of Brands

Building Southwest Florida's Premier Hospitality Teams

Job Type: Full-time

Physical Setting:

• Fine dining restaurant

Experience:

• Executive Chef: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person