Complex Executive Chef

Company: Restaurant Associates
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Title: Complex Executive Chef Salary: $130,000 - $140,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A ! Job Summary As Complex Executive Chef at LACMA, you will lead all culinary operations across a complex, high visibility cultural campus that includes catering and events, a destination restaurant, wine bar, and café for museum guests and staff. This role is responsible for setting culinary direction while ensuring food production is on trend, efficient, safe, and consistently executed. You will oversee menu development, purchasing, inventory, food cost controls, and the leadership and development of the culinary team in partnership with operations and events leadership. Key Responsibilities • Lead culinary operations across catering and events, destination restaurant, wine bar, and café at LACMA • Establish and maintain high culinary standards focused on quality, consistency, and presentation • Develop menus that reflect seasonality, wellness, cultural relevance, and guest expectations • Train, mentor, and inspire the culinary leadership team and hourly associates • Partner with operations and events teams to plan and execute catered functions and special events • Manage food cost, purchasing, inventory, and production efficiency • Analyze performance trends and lead continuous improvement initiatives • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards • Maintain a strong understanding of daily menus and concepts and communicate them clearly to guests and partners Preferred Qualifications • Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience • Bachelor’s degree in food service management, hospitality, or related field preferred • Five plus years of progressive culinary leadership experience in a complex or multi outlet environment • Experience planning and managing catering and special events from a culinary perspective • Strong, collaborative leadership style with a focus on team development • Knowledge of current food and catering trends with attention to quality, cost control, and execution • Proficiency with basic computer tools including email and Microsoft Office • Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, clients, and culinary teams • ServSafe certification or ability to obtain Apply to Restaurant Associates today! Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits. Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance/ AD Disability Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state) Associate Shopping Program Health and Wellness Programs Discount Marketplace Identity Theft Protection Pet Insurance Commuter Benefits Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Paid Parental Leave Personal Leave Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace. Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass -usa.com/wp- content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf Req ID: 1499638 Restaurant Associates Michael Abbey [[req_classification]]

Keywords: Restaurant Associates, Aliso Viejo , Complex Executive Chef, Hospitality & Tourism , Los Angeles, California