Culinary 

EXECUTIVE BANQUET CHEF (OFF PREMISE CATERING) - METRO DETROIT, MI

Search by Harper Associates

Executive Banquet Chef role with a high volume, Off Premise Catering and Restaurant Group. Our client is an approved caterer at many of the Detroit area’s landmark venues and entertainment locations. The ideal candidate enjoys large scale catering and is a proven leader of a talented culinary team.

• Lots of creativity and interaction with clients for tastings.
• Ability to organize and execute multiple events at the same time.
• Experience at a venue with over $5M+ in catering sales
• Prefer education / training to include Culinary Degree or ACF Certification

Excellent benefit package! $80,000 - $100,000, plus bonus.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to ben@harperjobs.com

BANQUET CHEF (PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB) - DETROIT SUBURBS, MI

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Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Banquet Chef to lead and execute exceptional culinary experiences for our private country club members and guests. This role is responsible for overseeing all banquet kitchen operations, with a strong focus on large-scale weddings and high-volume events. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and has a proven track record of delivering outstanding cuisine for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large weddings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality banquet menus for weddings, social events, and club functions
• Lead culinary operations for large-scale weddings (150–600+ guests), ensuring consistency, timing, and presentation
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, event coordinators, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Supervise, train, and schedule banquet kitchen staff
• Maintain high standards of food quality, sanitation, and safety in compliance with all health regulations
• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control for banquet operations
• Develop and standardize recipes, plating guides, and production timelines
• Ensure all dietary restrictions and special requests are executed accurately
• Oversee setup, execution, and breakdown of banquet events, including off-site events if applicable
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as a Banquet Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume environment
• Extensive experience executing large weddings and formal events (required)
• Experience in private clubs, luxury hotels, or upscale catering operations preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Solid understanding of food costing, purchasing, and inventory control
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Knowledge of diverse cuisines and modern banquet presentation styles

Key Competencies:

• High-volume production expertise
• Attention to detail and consistency
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities
• Team leadership and staff development
• Creativity in menu planning and presentation
• Commitment to exceptional member and guest experiences

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary $80,000 ++
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Professional growth opportunities
• Prestigious private club environment

Send resume in a Word format attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

REGIONAL CULINARY DIRECTOR - BUSINESS DINING - CHARLOTTE, NC BASED

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Our client is a boutique national leader in Business & Industry food service, providing customized dining solutions to “at work” companies throughout North America. Their success is built on operational excellence, financial discipline, culinary innovation, and strong leadership.

Position Overview

The Regional Culinary Director is ultimately responsible for the overall performance of multiple corporate dining accounts within an assigned region. This includes full operational oversight, financial accountability, culinary quality, safety compliance, and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on Chef experience combined with strong General Manager–level leadership skills, including P&L management, team development, and multi-unit operations oversight.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all phases of operations from start to finish
• Maintain accountability for food cost, labor, budgets, and profitability
• Ensure compliance with company and client policies, SOPs, and quality standards
• Lead menu planning and vendor compliance to support cost control and execution
• Monitor production systems, sanitation, safety, and culinary standards
• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, payroll coordination, and staffing needs
• Collaborate with Accounting, Marketing, and corporate support teams
• Facilitate leadership meetings and drive operational alignment
• Implement company promotions and training programs
• Maintain strong client relationships and respond proactively to feedback

This role requires up to 75% travel. Preferred location: Charlotte, NC area (flexible for the right candidate). Company vehicle, great benefits, $80,000 - $90,000 plus bonus. 

Send resume in a Word format attachment to ben@harperjobs.com

SOUS CHEF (BED AND BREAKFAST - FORMER ESTATE) - GALENA, IL

Edge by Goldmoor Inn - #1 Fine Dining Award Winner

Harper Associates has been exclusively retained for the search.

This quaint Inn was once a privately owned estate perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Three decades ago, it was transformed into an elegant country inn that offers gourmet dining, luxurious accommodations for overnight guests, and beautifully maintained gardens and grounds. It is a charming bed and breakfast that provides the perfect location for a romantic getaway or destination wedding.

Edge By Goldmoor Inn

With a reputation for outstanding gourmet food and impeccable service, the Inn has a small, fine dining restaurant (~30 seats) and a catering facility which can accommodate up to 150 for intimate weddings and other events. The property offers a Chef’s Table and Chef’s cooking class. The Chefs are provided with a private garden on the estate grounds. This is an exceptional opportunity for a hands-on working Sous Chef who would welcome a unique opportunity to run a creative, scratch kitchen in an exceptionally unique setting. The Chefs must enjoy media exposure and guest interaction.

Culinary degree required. Excellent salary & bonus package. All referrals confidential. Housing available for 90 days. $50,000 - $55,000

Send resume in a Word format attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

SENIOR SOUS CHEF - WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI

Private Country Club position with a long term Harper Associates client.

Join a great team with a talented Executive Chef

Searching for a hands-on creative A La Carte Dining Chef for their very busy member grille rooms. This very successful private golf and country club also has extensive banquet facilities. Responsible for ala carte dining rooms along with assisting with weddings, member club events, and graduation parties. Usually off Monday and Tuesday. This is a 50+ hour, 5 day work week schedule in a spacious, fully equipped kitchen. Arrive at noon or 1:00pm. During busy summer months, a sixth day may be required at times. Great salary, benefits, and work/life balance. $70,000 - $75,000

Highlights

• Creativity and interaction with members for Chef Specials
• Ability to organize and execute a very busy club venue
• Prefer education / training to include Culinary Degree or ACF Certification

Send resume in a Word format attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF - ROYAL OAK, MI

If you are an accomplished Executive Chef looking to showcase your exceptional culinary talent, this may be what you’ve been looking for. The Executive Chef will take the helm of a highly awarded, upscale restaurant in the Royal Oak area.

We are searching for a highly talented, hands-on Executive Chef with high-volume experience in an upscale, scratch kitchen. Will oversee culinary operations and handle menu development, leading the culinary team, managing financials, and collaborating with the front-of-house managers to deliver exceptional classical cuisine. Must be highly skilled in managing a very busy kitchen and have proven success at leading a team of culinary professionals.

Ideal candidates will have: 

• Culinary Degree from CIA, Schoolcraft, Johnson & Wales, or a similar level culinary school
• High-volume, scratch Kitchen Manager, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef experience
• Expertise in ordering, inventory management, labor management, and scheduling
• Experience in menu development and menu costing
• Experience creating and managing the back-of-house budget
• Experience with classic American steakhouse-style restaurant

 Benefits:

•  Very competitive base salary
• Outstanding health benefits
• Paid vacation

 Send resume in Word format attachment to kevin@harperjobs.com

CULINARIANS

Looking for culinary professionals with 3-5 years of experience as a Line Cook, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Kitchen Manager. Want to bring your talent to a chef-driven restaurant group with menus that only offer high-end, scratch-made cuisine? If so, we're looking for your culinary talent. 

We have several opportunities available for Line Cooks, Chefs, Sous Chefs, and Kitchen Managers with high-volume experience in an upscale, scratch kitchen. Will work as part of a team of chefs to supervise culinary operations and assist in menu development, scheduling, creating specials, and working the line in a high-volume restaurant. Must have leadership experience in a very busy kitchen and have a track record of success. 

Requirements: 

• Culinary Degree from CIA, Schoolcraft, Johnson & Wales, or a similar level culinary school preferred 
• High-volume, scratch Line Cook, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Executive Chef experience 
• Expertise in ordering, inventory management, labor management, and scheduling 
• Experience in menu development and menu costing 
• Experience creating and managing the back-of-house budget 
• ServSafe Certification 

Benefits: 

• Very competitive compensation based on experience 
• Health benefits 
• Paid vacation 

 Send resume in a Word format attachment to: kevin@harperjobs.com