Catering Executive Chef

The Catering Executive Chef oversees all culinary production across Hamby’s business lines: large-scale off-premise catering, our retail location The Market (ready-made goods and prepared meals), and our exclusive event venue. This leader ensures that every aspect of Hamby’s culinary engine operates efficiently, profitably, and collaboratively while upholding the company’s reputation for excellence.

What We’re Looking For

We seek a strategic leader who thrives in the fast-paced world of catering, where volume, logistics, and timing set the stage for success. The ideal candidate is a strong people manager and problem solver who can connect the dots across departments, inspire a team, and think big picture. Culinary creativity is valued, but the ability to direct operations, manage financials, and ensure seamless execution is essential.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years culinary experience
• High-volume, large-scale culinary production background (beyond a simple brick & mortar restaurant)
• 4+ years in a supervisory or management role .
• Ability to collaborate with operations and sales teams for client satisfaction and profitability.
• Solid understanding of food costing, labor management, and financial performance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Caterease or inventory management systems a plus.
• PREFERRED:  Culinary degree or formal training.
• NICE TO HAVE:  Familiarity with Charleston's event venues

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team with clear communication, accountability, and support.
• Partner with operations and sales to deliver catering events, retail initiatives, and venue experiences.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and labor costs .
• Ensure consistent, high-quality, high-volume food production.
• Develop systems to monitor and manage: food and labor costs, inventory, efficiency.
• Maintain standards of sanitation, safety, compliance across all operations.
• Contribute to menu development.
• Provide ongoing staff training to support growth and functional knowledge.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER