De La Vina Catering & Events | San Diego, CA
Boutique Catering | Private Events | Weddings | Elevated Dining Experiences
De La Vina Catering & Events is seeking a talented, creative, and experienced Part-Time Executive Chef to join our boutique catering company.
We are hiring immediately to support our exciting lineup of weddings, private celebrations, corporate gatherings, and holiday events through the end of 2026.
Our goal is to find the right culinary professional to become part of our team during the remainder of 2026 and transition into a more established culinary leadership role beginning January 2027, for the year and beyond.
We specialize in thoughtfully curated menus, beautiful presentations, and exceptional culinary experiences. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, creativity, and hospitality.
Responsibilities
Lead culinary preparation and execution for private events and off-site catering.
Develop creative, seasonal menus tailored to our clients and events.
Calculate accurate food quantities, portions, and ingredient requirements based on guest counts.
Oversee kitchen operations, food preparation, presentation, and quality control.
Manage, schedule, and supervise kitchen prep staff, culinary assistants, and dishwashers.
Delegate prep responsibilities and ensure all food preparation is completed efficiently and on schedule.
Oversee post-event kitchen cleanup, dishwashing, equipment sanitation, and proper storage of food and supplies.
Maintain an organized, clean, and fully functioning commissary kitchen in Sorrento Mesa.
Manage food ordering, purchasing, inventory, and food costs.
Establish and maintain accounts with food purveyors, suppliers, and specialty vendors.
Build strong vendor relationships to ensure quality, competitive pricing, and reliable deliveries.
Drive the company catering van to transport food, equipment, and supplies.
Oversee loading, transportation, on-site kitchen setup, and breakdown.
Lead and coordinate culinary staff for event preparation and service.
Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
Collaborate with the owner and event team to ensure seamless execution.
Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of professional culinary experience, preferably in upscale catering, restaurants, or private events.
Experience managing kitchen teams, prep staff, and dishwashing personnel.
Strong culinary creativity and appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Proven ability to calculate food quantities, manage purchasing, and control costs.
Experience with vendor accounts and supplier relationships.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and lead with professionalism.
Comfortable working in off-site kitchens and different event environments.
Valid driver's license and ability to safely operate a catering van.
Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends.
Current California food safety certification, as applicable.
Position Details
Kitchen Location: San Diego, California ( Sorrento Valley/Mesa)
Start Date: Immediate
Schedule: Part-time, flexible, event-based
2027 Opportunity: Potential to transition into an expanded, ongoing Executive Chef role beginning January 2027, based on mutual fit and business needs.
Compensation: Starting at $30-40 per hour
Who We're Looking For
We are a small, passionate, hands-on company where every detail matters. We value creativity, collaboration, a positive attitude, and people who genuinely love what they do.
Our ideal Executive Chef is not only an exceptional cook but also an organized, resourceful leader who understands the operational side of catering. Someone who takes ownership, anticipates needs, stays calm under pressure, and enjoys being part of a creative, growing business.
We are looking for someone who can confidently manage both the culinary and operational sides of our kitchen, lead a team with professionalism and respect, and ensure every event is executed beautifully from preparation through final cleanup.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a boutique catering company with a reputation for beautiful food and memorable experiences—and potentially help shape its next chapter.
To Apply
Please send your resume, a brief introduction, and examples of your culinary work or menus to De La Vina Catering & Events.
We look forward to meeting someone who shares our love of beautiful food and exceptional hospitality.
