Head of Culinary Innovation and Kitchen - Executive Chef

Odyssey Contemporary Caterings · India

Company: Odyssey Caterings

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Employment Type: Full-Time

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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