Lead the Culinary Direction of a Premier Bay Area Catering & Events Company

The Red Door is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead and evolve our culinary program in the San Francisco Bay Area. This role is designed for a chef with a strong creative voice, deep technical foundation, and proven experience executing high-volume, high-quality cuisine in a catering or large-scale event environment.Our philosophy is simple: event food should never feel like catering. We strive to deliver restaurant-quality cuisine with thoughtful presentation, seasonal ingredients, and exceptional hospitality, whether we are serving an intimate dinner for 20 or a gala for 1,000.This is an opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a growing, chef-driven events company working at some of the most iconic venues in the Bay Area.Our WorkThe Red Door produces elevated culinary experiences for weddings, corporate events, galas, and private celebrations across the Bay Area. Our team regularly executes events at renowned venues including:Filoli Historic House & GardenSan Francisco City HallThe ExploratoriumChabot Space & Science CenterVilla MontalvoPremier corporate campuses and private estates throughout the Bay AreaOur goal is to bring the creativity, seasonality, and precision of fine dining into the dynamic world of luxury events.The RoleThe Executive Chef will lead the culinary team and oversee all kitchen operations, menu development, and BOH event production. Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary Vision & Menu DevelopmentLead the culinary direction of The Red Door Design seasonal menus with strong attention to flavor, technique, and presentationDevelop creative offerings for weddings, private events, and corporate clientsCollaborate with sales and management teams on custom menu development for proposalsSupport tastings as needed through menu execution and refinementContinually evolve the menu to reflect Bay Area ingredients and culinary trendsCreate signature dishes and presentation styles that differentiate the brandEvent Production & ExecutionOversee food production and execution for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrationsEnsure consistency, quality, and presentation across all eventsTranslate restaurant-level culinary standards into scalable event executionOversee execution across multiple simultaneous events and complex production schedulesManage complex event logistics and production timelinesProblem-solve in real time during live eventsKitchen LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary teamBuild and maintain a strong leadership structure, including sous chefs and event leadsTrain teams for high-volume and off-site event executionFoster accountability, communication, and operational disciplineOperational ManagementOwn food cost targets, purchasing, inventory, and recipe costing systemsContribute to menu pricing strategy in collaboration with leadershipDevelop staffing models for multi-event operations, including freelance and event staffOversee commissary kitchen operations and production flowBuild and manage relationships with farmers, purveyors, and vendors, with a focus on quality and cost efficiencyMaintain compliance with all health, sanitation, and safety standardsImplement SOPs and quality control systems to ensure consistency at scaleConduct post-event reviews to drive continuous improvementIdeal CandidateProven experience as an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership role8+ years of professional kitchen experience, including multiple years leading teams in a high-volume environmentBachelor s degree, or equivalent professional experienceExperience in catering, events, hotels, or high-volume multi-unit culinary operationsDirect experience with off-site catering and multi-event execution environments strongly preferredBackground in chef-driven or fine dining kitchens preferred (not required)Strong understanding of seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniquesDemonstrated ability to build, lead, and scale culinary teams and systemsHighly organized with strong communication and leadership skillsComfortable balancing creativity with operational disciplineSolidly proficient in Excel and the Google Suite Working knowledge of Spanish preferred (not required)Compensation & BenefitsSalary Range:$105 - $115K annually (depending on experience)Benefits Package Includes:Performance-based bonus opportunitiesHealth, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off and holidaysFlexible scheduling during non-peak seasonsOpportunity to build and lead a culinary program with creative influenceProfessional development and industry networking opportunitiesA collaborative leadership team committed to growth and innovationWhy This Role is UniqueThis position offers the opportunity to shape a culinary program in one of the most exciting food regions in the world while working on events that take place in extraordinary environments, from historic estates to iconic San Francisco institutions.For the right chef, this is a chance to bring fine-dining standards, Bay Area ingredients, and creative leadership into a company where food truly defines the guest experience.LocationThe Red Door Group is headquartered in West Oakland, providing easy access to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area event landscape.How to ApplyPlease submit: ResumeA brief statement about your culinary philosophyOptional: sample menus, photos of work, or notable events you have executedWe are looking for a chef who believes that great food deserves care and creativity, whether it s served in a restaurant or at a once-in-a-lifetime event.