Catering Connection Santa Barbara
Overview
Catering Connection is a full-service catering and event company proudly based in Santa Barbara. We specialize in high-end events, showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and delivering exceptional service. We value professionalism, strong teamwork, and bringing joy to every event we serve. We’re thrilled to share that Catering Connection is now under the ownership of Santa Barbara locals Charlie and Kathleen Schaffer, founders of Schaffer LA. They’re dedicated to upholding the exceptional quality, personalized service, and thoughtful care you've come to expect—while infusing new energy and a shared love for creating unforgettable events. Join Our Team. This role is rooted in our Santa Barbara operations and is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead, grow, and make an impact close to home. There’s also potential to work with our Los Angeles team on high-profile productions in LA and large-scale events across the country. Summary / Objective
We are seeking a skilled and organized Sous Chef to support our catering operations. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can juggle kitchen responsibilities with the coordination of deliveries and team schedules. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless event preparation and execution, while also playing a key role in logistics and kitchen leadership. This role is rooted in our Santa Barbara operations and is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead, grow, and make an impact close to home. You\'ll be a key part of a talented, tight-knit team delivering exceptional events in the community we love. For candidates interested in exploring and traveling, there’s also potential to work with our Los Angeles team—on high-profile productions in LA and large-scale events across the country. Teamwork & Culture
All team members at Catering Connection are expected to assist with unloading vans and trucks at the start of the event and reloading them at the end. Creativity, Hospitality, Excellence, Genuine, Genius Essential Functions
Assist the Executive Chef in planning and executing all catered events, from prep to plating. Supervise, support and work with kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality food production and clean presentation. This is a very hands-on position. Oversee kitchen schedules to align with event timelines, staffing needs, and prep requirements. Coordinate and lead food production and packaging for off-site deliveries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Oversee delivery logistics, working with Chef, drivers and event teams to ensure smooth transportation and setup. Maintain a clean, organized, and health-code-compliant kitchen environment. Help with inventory management, vendor ordering, and receiving of goods. Ensure FIFO is being practiced. Step into the lead role when the Executive Chef is off-site or unavailable. Other Essential Functions
Work with the warehouse on packing/unloading. Ensure all equipment is stored and sent out both clean and in excellent working order. Notify Chef of any broken/cracked/scratched items. Work at events, on kitchen prep, and in the warehouse. Maintain a company culture and promote a positive work environment. Manage events and train on-site chefs to execute each event menu properly. Provide training and support to staff, ensuring excellent food standards and procedures are maintained. Utilize and maintain company-developed systems, inventories, programs, and initiatives. Maintain budgets, compliance guidelines, company standards, and practices. Attend BEO (Banquet Event Order) meetings and check and update packing notes. Work with the Sales and Staffing Coordinator on staffing requirements for events. Work with the Catering Connection team on service plans, event rental equipment, expo sheets, timelines, diagrams, and other event production documents. Manage inventory for soft beverages, beer, wine and liquor, and disposable items. At Events
Review the BEO carefully and follow the general instructions provided. Create a positive event experience for all. Determine your role at each event with the Chef. Some events involve food production and service, others involve delegation and staff management. Travel with expo during plating as needed. Train event chefs and KAs on site. Develop a training manual with standard operating procedures for setup, sanitation, breakdown, and related tasks. Ensure smooth implementation of a deep-frying SOP, including setup, spill response, oil cooling, and transportation. Ensure smooth implementation of a hand wash station/protocol. Responsible for striking and breaking down events, including packing equipment and inventory and loading the van/truck. Ensure no breakage in transport with safe packing. Work respectfully with clients and front-of-house staff. Coordinate with Captains to ensure production planning is executed. Pivot plans as needed. Qualifications
3+ years of culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Previous experience in catering, banquets, or off-site events preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills. Comfortable managing schedules and coordinating deliveries. Valid driver’s license required. ServSafe certification or equivalent required. Other Requirements
Access to both email and phone communications. Ability to download and use the “Staffmate App” to manage availability and schedule; accepting or declining jobs through the app is required. Reliable and flexible to work day shifts, event shifts, weekdays, and weekends. Reliable transportation to and from the venue. Prompt and responsive in accepting job assignments. May occasionally be asked to drive or participate in a carpool for jobs that require travel. Ability to drive the company vans is required. Thoroughness. Leadership. Presentation Skills. Attention to Detail. Knife Skills Supervisory Responsibility
This position supervises department staff and is responsible for training and implementing/ supporting all food production. Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event calendar. Fast-paced kitchen and off-site event settings. Physical Demands
The employee is required to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and stoop. The position requires working taste buds, the ability to smell, feel with fingers, and visually inspect at close and distance ranges. The position requires the ability to use arms and hands and manipulate fingers to reach, stir, measure, pour, cut, chop, dice, decorate, etc., and lift up to 50 lbs. Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This position regularly requires long hours and weekend work. Travel
Some travel may be required to Solvang, Santa Ynez, Ojai, Ventura, Malibu, occasionally LA. California Class C driver’s license with clean DMV record. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year Benefits
Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Additional Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Food and Beverage Services
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Catering Connection is a full-service catering and event company proudly based in Santa Barbara. We specialize in high-end events, showcasing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and delivering exceptional service. We value professionalism, strong teamwork, and bringing joy to every event we serve. We’re thrilled to share that Catering Connection is now under the ownership of Santa Barbara locals Charlie and Kathleen Schaffer, founders of Schaffer LA. They’re dedicated to upholding the exceptional quality, personalized service, and thoughtful care you've come to expect—while infusing new energy and a shared love for creating unforgettable events. Join Our Team. This role is rooted in our Santa Barbara operations and is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead, grow, and make an impact close to home. There’s also potential to work with our Los Angeles team on high-profile productions in LA and large-scale events across the country. Summary / Objective
We are seeking a skilled and organized Sous Chef to support our catering operations. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can juggle kitchen responsibilities with the coordination of deliveries and team schedules. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure seamless event preparation and execution, while also playing a key role in logistics and kitchen leadership. This role is rooted in our Santa Barbara operations and is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead, grow, and make an impact close to home. You\'ll be a key part of a talented, tight-knit team delivering exceptional events in the community we love. For candidates interested in exploring and traveling, there’s also potential to work with our Los Angeles team—on high-profile productions in LA and large-scale events across the country. Teamwork & Culture
All team members at Catering Connection are expected to assist with unloading vans and trucks at the start of the event and reloading them at the end. Creativity, Hospitality, Excellence, Genuine, Genius Essential Functions
Assist the Executive Chef in planning and executing all catered events, from prep to plating. Supervise, support and work with kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality food production and clean presentation. This is a very hands-on position. Oversee kitchen schedules to align with event timelines, staffing needs, and prep requirements. Coordinate and lead food production and packaging for off-site deliveries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Oversee delivery logistics, working with Chef, drivers and event teams to ensure smooth transportation and setup. Maintain a clean, organized, and health-code-compliant kitchen environment. Help with inventory management, vendor ordering, and receiving of goods. Ensure FIFO is being practiced. Step into the lead role when the Executive Chef is off-site or unavailable. Other Essential Functions
Work with the warehouse on packing/unloading. Ensure all equipment is stored and sent out both clean and in excellent working order. Notify Chef of any broken/cracked/scratched items. Work at events, on kitchen prep, and in the warehouse. Maintain a company culture and promote a positive work environment. Manage events and train on-site chefs to execute each event menu properly. Provide training and support to staff, ensuring excellent food standards and procedures are maintained. Utilize and maintain company-developed systems, inventories, programs, and initiatives. Maintain budgets, compliance guidelines, company standards, and practices. Attend BEO (Banquet Event Order) meetings and check and update packing notes. Work with the Sales and Staffing Coordinator on staffing requirements for events. Work with the Catering Connection team on service plans, event rental equipment, expo sheets, timelines, diagrams, and other event production documents. Manage inventory for soft beverages, beer, wine and liquor, and disposable items. At Events
Review the BEO carefully and follow the general instructions provided. Create a positive event experience for all. Determine your role at each event with the Chef. Some events involve food production and service, others involve delegation and staff management. Travel with expo during plating as needed. Train event chefs and KAs on site. Develop a training manual with standard operating procedures for setup, sanitation, breakdown, and related tasks. Ensure smooth implementation of a deep-frying SOP, including setup, spill response, oil cooling, and transportation. Ensure smooth implementation of a hand wash station/protocol. Responsible for striking and breaking down events, including packing equipment and inventory and loading the van/truck. Ensure no breakage in transport with safe packing. Work respectfully with clients and front-of-house staff. Coordinate with Captains to ensure production planning is executed. Pivot plans as needed. Qualifications
3+ years of culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Previous experience in catering, banquets, or off-site events preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills. Comfortable managing schedules and coordinating deliveries. Valid driver’s license required. ServSafe certification or equivalent required. Other Requirements
Access to both email and phone communications. Ability to download and use the “Staffmate App” to manage availability and schedule; accepting or declining jobs through the app is required. Reliable and flexible to work day shifts, event shifts, weekdays, and weekends. Reliable transportation to and from the venue. Prompt and responsive in accepting job assignments. May occasionally be asked to drive or participate in a carpool for jobs that require travel. Ability to drive the company vans is required. Thoroughness. Leadership. Presentation Skills. Attention to Detail. Knife Skills Supervisory Responsibility
This position supervises department staff and is responsible for training and implementing/ supporting all food production. Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event calendar. Fast-paced kitchen and off-site event settings. Physical Demands
The employee is required to stand for long periods, walk, bend, and stoop. The position requires working taste buds, the ability to smell, feel with fingers, and visually inspect at close and distance ranges. The position requires the ability to use arms and hands and manipulate fingers to reach, stir, measure, pour, cut, chop, dice, decorate, etc., and lift up to 50 lbs. Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This position regularly requires long hours and weekend work. Travel
Some travel may be required to Solvang, Santa Ynez, Ojai, Ventura, Malibu, occasionally LA. California Class C driver’s license with clean DMV record. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year Benefits
Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Additional Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: Food and Beverage Services
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