Banquet Chef

Job Summary

The Banquet Chef is responsible for the execution and organization of all Crystal Mountain catered functions. This position is also responsible for holiday buffets, kitchen operations in the Wild Tomato restaurant and setting up the summer outlets. The Banquet Chef will maximize culinary productivity by tracking food & labor costs and overseeing menu changes as demand dictates in collaboration with the Executive Chef.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Executes all Crystal Mountain banquet functions.
• Plans or participates in the menu development and utilization of food surpluses and leftovers while taking into account probable number of guests, marketing conditions, popularity of various dishes, and menu.
• Estimates food consumption and purchases or requisitions foodstuffs and kitchen supplies.
• Reviews menus and assigns prices to menu items, analyzes recipes, and determines food, labor, and overhead costs.
• Establishes par levels for banquet food items, kitchen supplies, and all other necessary products needed to operate the banquet department and make sure that the cost controller purchases such items.
• Directs food apportionment policy to control costs.
• Coordinates staffing levels and food preparation daily to ensure the timing and flow of food service meets the demand.
• Supervises cooking and other kitchen personnel and coordinates their assignments to ensure economical and timely food production.
• Observes methods of food preparation and cooking, sizes of portions, and garnishing of foods to ensure food is prepared in prescribed manner.
• Responsible for assisting the executive chef in the hiring, training, supervision and success of all culinary and kitchen staff members.
• Responsible for tracking, documenting, and making sure all kitchen staff have the appropriate certification, licensing and training according to Crystal Mountain Policies and State and Federal Laws.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of the recipe database through our Food Trak inventory system.
• Maintains a clean environment to include proper food handling, storage, and sanitation.
• Capable of creating a motivational atmosphere and a cohesive food and beverage team, modeling proper culinary techniques and working alongside the staff.
• Adheres to all four-star resort performance standards to ensure that all guests have an outstanding dining experience.
• Other duties and tasks as required.

Job Specifications

Competencies:

• ServSafe Certified.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, Outlook.
• Effective business writing skills (grammar, vocabulary, clarity and brevity).
• Clear and concise verbal communication skills.
• Self-directed and able to maximize use of time and resources.
• Able to maintain office, employee and company confidentiality at all times.
• Dependable and meets goals.
• Exemplify professional conduct and adherence to company Core Values.

Education:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business, or Management desired.
• Must have a minimum of 8 (eight) years kitchen experience with a minimum of 2 (two) years management experience.

Physical & Other Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell.
• The employee is frequently required to walk and climb or balance.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Evenings, weekends and holidays are a regular part of the schedule.
• Must have excellent attendance and conduct record for consideration.
• Non-smoking candidates strongly preferred.

Crystal Mountain is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 2025 Silver Level Veteran Friendly Employer.

Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan's only alpine slide, the Park at Water's Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings and a conference center. Visit