Head of Culinary Innovation and Kitchen - Executive Chef

Company: Odyssey Caterings

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Employment Type: Full-Time

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odysseycaterings/

Website: www.odysseycaterings.com

Odyssey Caterings is a premium, experience-led catering brand based in Bangalore, known for delivering thoughtfully curated menus, seamless execution, and warm hospitality. From weddings and luxury social celebrations to high-end corporate events, we create food experiences that are refined, consistent, and memorable.

As the Executive Chef, you will lead the entire culinary function at Odyssey Caterings, acting as the senior-most kitchen leader overseeing all chefs and kitchen operations. This role blends creative direction with operational excellence—owning menu innovation, production planning, team development, and execution across multiple high-end events.

You will play a critical role in shaping Odyssey's culinary identity while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence at scale.

• Culinary Leadership: Lead and oversee the full kitchen brigade, including sous chefs, junior chefs, and prep teams, ensuring clarity, discipline, and performance.
• Menu Development: Design innovative, seasonal, and customized menus aligned with client briefs across weddings, social events, and corporate catering.
• Production Planning: Plan workflows, staffing, prep schedules, and execution strategies across multiple concurrent events.
• Food Quality & Presentation: Ensure consistency in taste, portioning, presentation, and hygiene standards across all stages of production and service.
• Team Management: Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff to build a high-performing and scalable culinary team.
• Cost & Inventory Control: Manage food costs, wastage, inventory, procurement, and vendor coordination to maintain profitability.
• Event Collaboration: Work closely with sales and event teams to align menus with guest profiles, dietary requirements, and service formats.
• Compliance & Safety: Uphold the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen compliance.
• Innovation: Continuously introduce new cuisines, formats, and presentation styles to elevate the brand's offering.

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or senior culinary leader—preferably in catering, banquets, hotels, or luxury event environments.
• Strong expertise in large-format production and multi-cuisine execution.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing and scaling kitchen teams.
• Deep understanding of food costing, procurement, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to perform under pressure and deliver consistently in fast-paced, event-driven setups.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across teams.
• Culinary degree or professional training preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a premium catering brand
• High ownership role with both creative and operational influence
• A collaborative, growth-focused environment