Chef Manager (Catering)

Catering Chef Manager Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Full-Time Competitive compensation: $65,000-$75,000 + Bonus opportunities $1,000 Sign on Bonus About Creative Dining Services Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food-service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with organizations across the country, including corporate offices, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and senior living communities.

Our focus goes beyond providing meals; we create memorable dining experiences, build relationships, and bring people together through hospitality. Where everyone has a seat at the table.

About the Role

Creative Dining Services is seeking an experienced Catering Chef Manager to lead culinary operations for a conference center and catering program. From continental breakfasts and buffets to high-profile receptions and plated dinners, you'll oversee menu development, food preparation, team leadership, and event execution to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Working closely with clients, event planners, and service teams, you'll help ensure every event meets high standards for food quality, presentation, service, and operational performance. What You’ll Do Lead the culinary planning, preparation, and execution of catered events, ensuring menus, production timelines, staffing, and resources are aligned.

Develop creative menus that reflect client preferences, dietary needs, seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and budget expectations. Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise culinary team members while building a collaborative, professional, and accountable team. Maintain consistent standards for food quality, taste, portioning, presentation, and timely service while providing hands-on kitchen support as needed.

Partner with clients, catering sales, event planners, and front-of-house leaders to coordinate event details, accommodate special requests, and deliver an exceptional guest experience. Manage purchasing, inventory, receiving, storage, portion control, food and labor costs, and waste reduction while supporting budgets and forecasts.

Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, allergen procedures, health codes, company policies, and workplace safety requirements. Evaluate event outcomes and operating practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement solutions that support efficiency, client satisfaction, and account retention. What You’ll Bring Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

At least three years of supervisory or culinary leadership experience, including a minimum of two years working as a chef. Current Serv. Safe Manager certification. Strong knowledge of culinary operations, menu development, food preparation, presentation, and food safety practices. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and changing event needs.

Ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment while remaining composed, adaptable, and solutions-focused. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn event management, scheduling, purchasing, and other operational systems. Preferred: Culinary degree or related postsecondary education. Experience leading high-volume catering, banquet, hotel, conference center, or similar hospitality operations.

Experience with recipe standardization, production planning, purchasing, inventory management, food and labor cost control, and waste reduction. Experience coordinating with clients and cross-functional teams to execute complex events, including VIP and high-profile functions. Top Benefits Competitive compensation: $65,000-$75,000 + Bonus opportunities $1,000 Sign on Bonus Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision 401(k) Retirement with company match Generous PTO policy Daily.

Pay earned wage access Significant discounts with partner companies Access to pet insurance Tuition reimbursement Professional development and career growth opportunities Why Creative Dining Services? At Creative Dining Services, we believe hospitality is about more than food, it's about creating connections and making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve.

Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences. Why just work when you can be Creative.