Catering & Events Chef

AFURI Is looking for an experienced Catering & Events Chef to lead the culinary side of our fast growing events program that includes onsite and offsite events, tasting dinners, food pop-ups, corporate collaborations and more. This is a full time salaried position that requires a candidate that has an extensive background in Catering operations and Japanese cuisine. If interested, please respond with a current and updated resume and a cover letter explaining why you think you would be a great fit to lead this program.Catering & Events Job Duties:Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality Japanese cuisine for on-site and off-site catering events.Lead all culinary operations for catered events, ensuring food quality, consistency, and presentation meet company standards.Collaborate with the Events, Sales, and Restaurant Management teams to develop customized menus for weddings, corporate events, private parties, festivals, and special occasionsCoordinate production schedules to ensure timely preparation and delivery of food for multiple events.Oversee packing, transportation, and on-site setup of food, equipment, and supplies.Manage live-action stations, sushi bars, robata grills, omakase experiences, and chef-attended food stations during events.Supervise event kitchen staff, prep cooks, sushi chefs, and temporary culinary team members.Train staff on food preparation techniques, presentation standards, food safety, and event execution.Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with health department regulations, HACCP standards, and company food safety policies.Monitor food quality throughout transport, setup, service, and breakdown.Maintain inventory of catering equipment, smallwares, serving pieces, and specialty ingredients.Order products and coordinate with vendors to ensure adequate inventory for scheduled events.Assist with recipe development, menu costing, and seasonal catering menu updates.Maintain accurate food cost controls while minimizing waste.Manage production timelines and labor scheduling for catering operations.Adapt quickly to changing event needs, guest counts, venue limitations, and last-minute requests.Troubleshoot logistical and culinary issues during event execution.Maintain cleanliness and organization of catering kitchens, commissary areas, vehicles, and storage facilities.Assist with loading and unloading catering vehicles and equipment when needed.Conduct post-event inventory, equipment recovery, and kitchen reset.Ensure exceptional guest experiences through professional culinary execution and presentation.Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts based on event schedules.Support restaurant operations during non-event periods as needed.Preferred Qualifications3 - 5+ years of culinary experience, preferably in Japanese cuisine and high-volume catering or events.Experience with sushi, sashimi, robata, izakaya, omakase, or traditional Japanese cooking techniques preferred.Strong organizational and time-management skills.Ability to lead culinary teams in fast-paced environments.Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and catering logistics.Experience managing off-site events and mobile kitchen operations.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in varying indoor and outdoor environments.Valid driver's license is a plus.Key ResponsibilitiesEvent food productionMenu execution and customizationStaff leadership and trainingCatering logistics and transportationInventory and purchasingFood safety complianceQuality controlGuest satisfactionBudget and food cost managementOn-site event executionEquipment managementCross-functional collaboration with restaurant and events teamsBenefits:Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance providedPTO401k available