Banquet Chef

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Salary: $90,000–$100,000 Annually

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and creative Banquet Chef to lead the culinary operations of a prestigious, high-end hotel in Chicago, Illinois.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced culinary professional to oversee exceptional banquet dining experiences, including elegant weddings, corporate events, executive meetings, private celebrations, and large-scale social functions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader who combines creativity, operational expertise, and strong team leadership with a passion for delivering outstanding cuisine and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Banquet Culinary Operations

• Direct and oversee banquet kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Lead culinary execution for weddings, corporate gatherings, private dinners, and large-scale events.
• Coordinate preparation, cooking, plating, and service to ensure seamless banquet execution.
• Maintain high culinary standards across multiple events and varying guest counts.
• Ensure consistency in recipes, portion sizes, quality, and presentation.

Menu Development & Culinary Creativity

• Collaborate with culinary leadership to develop innovative, seasonal, and customized banquet menus.
• Incorporate contemporary culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients.
• Participate in menu tastings, event planning, and culinary presentations.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special guest requests.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, train, coach, and develop banquet culinary team members.
• Assist with employee scheduling, staffing, training, and development.
• Foster a positive kitchen environment that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with banquet service, catering, and Food & Beverage leadership teams.

Food Safety & Quality Standards

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Maintain proper food storage, handling, labeling, and temperature controls.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness, organization, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain consistent standards during high-volume banquet operations.

Financial & Operational Management

• Assist with food cost management, inventory control, purchasing, and labor productivity.
• Minimize waste while maintaining exceptional culinary quality.
• Participate in production forecasting and event planning.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations while meeting established budget expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience in luxury hotels, upscale resorts, fine dining, or high-end banquet operations.
• At least 2–3 years of culinary supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Proven experience managing high-volume banquet production and multiple simultaneous events.
• Strong background in menu development, food presentation, and culinary innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop culinary teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, kitchen sanitation, and food cost controls.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Experience within a Forbes-rated, AAA Five Diamond, or comparable high-end hotel environment is highly desirable.

Compensation

$90,000–$120,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Are you an experienced Banquet Chef ready to bring your culinary leadership and creativity to an exceptional hospitality environment in Chicago?

We welcome qualified candidates with a passion for culinary excellence, team leadership, and memorable banquet experiences.