Catering Chef Manager - Healthcare

Join our REAL Food Mission!

Thomas Cuisine is seeking a passionate Catering Chef Manager to lead catering operations at a respected Healthcare facility. This is a unique opportunity for a culinary leader who thrives on creativity, service excellence, and operational precision in a mission-driven environment.

About the Community We Serve

Our client is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to patient wellness, staff satisfaction, and community health. Special events and daily catering offerings for meetings, celebrations, and executive functions play a vital role in creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere.

Your Role and Impact

As Catering Chef Manager, you will be the driving force behind all catering activities—from planning and execution to presentation and service. You will collaborate closely with clients, clinical staff, and culinary teams to ensure every catered event is beautifully executed, timely, and aligned with dietary standards and Thomas Cuisine’s REAL food values. Your leadership will elevate the dining experience for staff, guests, and patients alike.

What You Will Do

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all catering events, from small internal meetings to large-scale hospital functions.

• Create custom, scratch-made menus in alignment with dietary guidelines and customer preferences.

• Collaborate with the Food Service Director, clinical teams, and hospital leadership to meet evolving catering needs.

• Maintain exceptional food quality and presentation for all catered meals and events.

• Supervise catering cooks and support staff, ensuring smooth execution and timely delivery of service.

• Train and coach team members to deliver on Thomas Cuisine standards and client expectations.

• Manage ordering, inventory, event setup/breakdown, and catering-related equipment.

• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards in catering environments.

• Support budgetary goals through cost-effective menu planning, portion control, and labor oversight.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication, flexibility, and professionalism.

• Lead by example, modeling Thomas Cuisine’s values of Integrity, Ownership, Passion, Teamwork, and Humility.

What You Will Need

• Minimum 3 years of culinary and catering leadership experience, preferably in healthcare, higher education, or hospitality settings.

• Strong understanding of catering logistics, client service, and food safety protocols.

• Demonstrated success managing budgets, labor, and inventory within catering operations.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.

• ServSafe® Certification and local food handler’s card (or willingness to obtain).

• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead diverse teams with professionalism and empathy.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as required by events.

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform typical kitchen and catering duties.

Schedule and Compensation

• Schedule: Typically Monday through Friday; must be available for occasional evening or weekend events.

• Wage Range: $65,000–$72,000 annually, based on experience +eligible annual bonus based on performance.

What’s in It for You

When you join Thomas Cuisine, we care about your growth and well-being. This full-time role includes:

• Comprehensive health benefits – Medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options

• Financial wellness support – 401(k) with company match, on-demand pay, and end-of-year profit sharing

• Work-life balance – PTO, paid holidays, and family-friendly leave

• Wellness initiatives – Free behavioral health support, fitness memberships, and more

• Career growth opportunities – Ongoing training, advancement pathways, and referral bonuses

Why Thomas Cuisine

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company committed to fresh, scratch-made food and real service. We believe food has the power to heal, connect, and transform lives.

We are not a typical food service contractor—we’re culinary-driven, values-focused, and people-first. We proudly serve healthcare systems, senior living, education, and corporate campuses across the country with integrity, humility, and heart.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships