Maggie McDowell
Irvine,CA
Summary
Professional culinary expert with strong focus on team collaboration and delivering exceptional results. Demonstrates expertise in menu development, kitchen management, and high-quality food preparation. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring consistent excellence in fast-paced, changing environments. Known for leadership, creativity, and maintaining high standards in all culinary operations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Executive Chef
Rhinos Rugby
10.2020 - Current
- Lead Private Executive Chef for a professional rugby organization, responsible for athlete meal planning, nutritional balance, and team catering operations.
- Design and execute high-performance menus tailored to athletes’ dietary and recovery needs.
- Manage kitchen operations, staff coordination, and vendor relations.
- Source seasonal ingredients, ensuring quality, freshness, and cost efficiency.
- Oversee large-scale meal prep for training camps, travel events, and post-match recovery.
- Maintain strict sanitation and nutritional compliance in a fast-paced, athletic environment.
House / Kitchen Manager
UHNW Family
07.2020 - 12.2020
- Manage a team of chefs, housekeepers, and personal assistants for an ultra-high-net-worth family.
- Oversee full kitchen operations, inventory, wine/beverage stock, and serviceware.
- Prepare and serve daily family meals with precise attention to dietary preferences and presentation.
Personal Chef
UHNW Professional Couple
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Designed and prepared fresh, farm-to-table meals for a high-profile couple.
- Managed all shopping, sourcing, and kitchen maintenance.
- Temporary
Senior Event Coordinator
Canyon Catering & Events
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw event sales and execution, generating $1.5M in annual revenue.
- Coordinated all aspects of catering and event logistics including vendors, staffing, and site layouts.
Senior Event Designer
24 Carrots Catering & Events LLC
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Produced and executed events generating $2.7M in annual revenue.
- Developed creative event strategies, managing luxury clientele and multi-venue coordination.
Director of Catering
Colette’s Events and Catering
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Managed sales teams and venues, achieving $1.8M in annual sales.
- Led event planning and execution for weddings, galas, and corporate functions.
Mandalay Bay Hotel
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Banquets & Convention Services – Supervising, staffing, and event catering.
The Yakima Grill/Theoz/Bocz Restaurant Group
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Executive Chef overseeing hotel restaurant, lounge, and catering operations.
Private Chef
Guthy Renker Corp.
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Farm-to-table meals for principals and guests; managed full kitchen operations.
Sous Chef
The Highlands Inn/Pacific Edge Restaurant
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Participated in “Master of Food and Wine” events with industry icons.
Hot Line Chef
The Patina Group
01.1990 - 01.1996
- Hot Line Chef under Joachim Splichal and other acclaimed chefs.
Skills
- Private & Executive Chef Services
- Athlete & High-Performance Nutrition
- Menu & Nutritional Planning
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Team Management & Leadership
- Farm-to-Table Cuisine
- Inventory & Vendor Management
- Customer Service & Client Relations
- Culinary Team Leadership
- Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
- Organization & Time Management
- Computer Proficiency (POS, Scheduling, Inventory Systems)
- Food safety
Timeline
Private Executive Chef
Rhinos Rugby
10.2020 - Current
Personal Chef
UHNW Professional Couple
09.2020 - 12.2020
House / Kitchen Manager
UHNW Family
07.2020 - 12.2020
Senior Event Coordinator
Canyon Catering & Events
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Event Designer
24 Carrots Catering & Events LLC
01.2016 - 01.2018
Director of Catering
Colette’s Events and Catering
01.2012 - 01.2016
Mandalay Bay Hotel
01.2004 - 01.2007
The Yakima Grill/Theoz/Bocz Restaurant Group
01.1997 - 01.2003
Private Chef
Guthy Renker Corp.
01.1996 - 01.1997
Sous Chef
The Highlands Inn/Pacific Edge Restaurant
01.1995 - 01.1996
Hot Line Chef
The Patina Group
01.1990 - 01.1996
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