Banquet Chef

Job Title: Banquet Chef

Location: Cooperstown, NY

Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 (Based on experience)

Type: Full-Time

Housing Benefit: Up to 2 months rent-free employee housing available while relocating

Overview

The Banquet Chef is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for banquets, weddings, and planned events, serving high-volume functions throughout the year and peak summer season. This role acts as the kitchen leader in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef and plays a critical role in food quality, execution, sanitation, staffing coordination, and event readiness.

The Banquet Chef supports events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions of up to 50 catering staff, working closely with Food & Beverage leadership, the Executive Chef, and external partners including the Baseball Hall of Fame and local museums.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who thrives in high-volume, high-visibility environments.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Operations & Event Execution

• Lead all culinary operations for banquets, weddings, and planned events
• Ensure banquet kitchens are fully prepared and service-ready for each event
• Brief banquet kitchen staff daily on upcoming and current functions
• Execute and oversee preparation of all hot food items while supervising garde manger and cold food production
• Supervise and produce visually appealing buffet and event displays
• Ensure food meets all quality, quantity, and presentation standards
• Verify all food is prepared to proper specifications and timelines

Leadership & Team Management

• Act as kitchen manager in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef
• Build team morale through training, leadership, and positive feedback
• Delegate tasks effectively and support staff during high-volume service
• Control kitchen labor hours, minimize overtime, and enforce scheduled shifts
• Support staffing needs during peak summer season (up to 6 days per week)

Planning, Inventory & Cost Control

• Assist with monthly inventory counts
• Monitor portion control, waste reduction, and food cost management
• Receive, inspect, and ensure proper storage of food and supplies
• Review and update recipes; develop seasonal and specialty menu items
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on banquet menu development and execution

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain all sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas
• Ensure compliance with NY Health Department codes and internal standards
• Practice and enforce safe food handling, preparation, and cooking procedures
• Execute end-of-day kitchen closing procedures
• Ensure all banquet kitchen equipment and refrigeration is operational
• Maintain personal and professional grooming and cleanliness standards
• Implement and enforce workplace safety procedures

Communication & Coordination

• Attend morning BEO meetings and execute event instructions accordingly
• Communicate effectively with all Food & Beverage outlets
• Partner with leadership to ensure smooth execution of events tied to museums, cultural institutions, and major attractions

Qualifications

• Prior Banquet Chef or high-volume culinary leadership experience required
• Strong culinary execution skills with a focus on consistency and presentation
• Experience managing large catering teams (up to 50 staff during peak events)
• Proven ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments
• Certification in sanitation and workplace safety preferred
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays (required)
• Strong planning, organization, and communication skills

Benefits & Perks

Core Benefits

• Free health and vision insurance (employee)
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• FSA
• Profit-sharing pension plan (10% of annual income, vested after 3 years)
• Free term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Teledoc coverage ($10/month – family included)

Time Off & Lifestyle

• 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
• Vacation:
• 80 hours (Years 1–4)
• 120 hours (Years 5–9)
• 160 hours (Year 10 )
• 56 hours sick time annually
• Free hot meals while working
• Free gym membership
• 25% Retail, restaurant, spa, and golf discounts
• Friends & family room discounts

Educational Support Program

After one year of full-time employment:

Student Loan Repayment

• $500 per quarter after Year 1
• $750 per quarter after Year 2

Education Sponsorship

• 50% reimbursement for approved industry-related education
• Up to $5,000 per calendar year
• One-year post-completion employment commitment required

Interested Candidates – Apply Today

Please submit:

• Resume
• Salary expectations
• Availability and at least one professional reference