Banquet Chef

COURY HOSPITALITY LLC; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a premier luxury destination as a Banquet Chef, where you will lead culinary operations for large events. You will ensure high-quality food preparation, oversee kitchen staff, and develop innovative menus in a historic setting. This role demands leadership, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in high-volume banquet culinary operations.
• Certification of formalized training or award recognition in culinary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation for banquet and catering events.
• Coordinate banquet production and plating with kitchen leadership.
• Develop seasonal specials and approve menu items.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organization

Customer Service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Culinary Certification

Job description

Description

The First National Center & The National Hotel, Autograph Collection – Oklahoma City

A historic icon reimagined, The First National Center stands as the crown jewel of downtown Oklahoma City. Originally built in 1931, this breathtaking Art Deco masterpiece has been meticulously restored, seamlessly blending its rich past with modern luxury.

Spanning over 1.1 million square feet, the property is a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring The National Hotel, Autograph Collection, Stock & Bond steakhouse, Tellers Italian restaurant, The Great Hall bar, The Library of Distilled Spirits, luxury retail, premier event spaces, and The First Residences at First National, which offer upscale living with unparalleled amenities in a truly historic setting.

At the heart of The First National Center is The National Hotel, Autograph Collection, a premier luxury destination housed within this architectural masterpiece. Featuring 146 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, The National blends historic elegance with modern sophistication, offering an unparalleled experience with world-class dining, bespoke accommodations, and exceptional service. As part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, The National is more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination rich in character, artistry, and history.

Both The First National Center and The National Hotel are driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and world-class hospitality. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a special occasion, guests are immersed in a one-of-a-kind experience where history meets modern-day luxury. For those who take pride in maintaining and enhancing an architectural masterpiece, this is an opportunity to be part of something extraordinary.

Job Summary:

As a banquet chef, you would be primarily responsible for the planning, organizing, controlling, and directing the work of the banquet cooks during large events and sales. Overseeing the food preparation of all banquet and catering events while always ensuring superior quality and consistency. Additionally responsible to communicate and assist with the creation of new banquet menus, prepare, test, taste, and control out new menu items. Maintain updated and accurate recipes and costing of all dishes prepared for banquet functions. Also approves the store requisitions for food and supplies needed from various kitchen storerooms.

Essential Job Functions:

· Uses a variety of high-quality food items that are creatively well-prepared, presented and flavorful in a cost-effective manner.

· Reviews and approves food orders from the approved vendors for delivery (as required for special order items).

· Frequently review finished products for quality prior to leaving the kitchen. Ensures that all foods, beverages, and garnishes are consistent with established culinary standards.

· Oversees with fellow kitchen leadership the overall appearance, cleanliness, and safety of the kitchen.

· Able to coordinate banquet production and plating with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Banquet Captain.

· Establish the day’s priorities and assign production and preparation tasks for the banquet kitchen staff/chefs to execute.

· Ensures all equipment in the kitchen is properly maintained and in working order in accordance with City/County Health Department and company standards.

· Troubleshoots unexpected or unusual situations in the kitchen.

· Makes sure all kitchen waste is disposed of properly.

· Oversees all creation of menus, production, and ordering for special events.

· Assist the Executive Chef in banquet menu development and execution.

· Develops seasonal specials. Tastes and approves all seasonal menu and pastry items.

· Schedule and conduct product taste panels with Food & Beverage Management (as required for new products).

· Ensure that each banquet kitchen work area is stocked with specified tools, supplies and equipment to meet the hotel’s operating and business demand.

· Ensure that recipe cards, production schedules, plating guides, and photographs are current and posted.

· Ensure that all staff prepare menu items following recipes in accordance with the hotels operating standards.

· Reviews weekly schedules to meet forecasts and budgets.

· As part of the management team, displays an attitude of loyalty, dedication, confidentiality and a willingness to cooperate with other team executives and staff. Accepts projects and responsibilities as assigned by the GM and completes in a timely manner.

· Remains at all times appropriately groomed per company grooming standards and wears the uniform provided.

Requirements

Requirements:

· High School Diploma or GED required as well as certification of formalized training or award recognition record of culinary accomplishments by recognitions personally achieved.

· Must possess basic reading, writing, math, & computer skills.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in high-volume banquet culinary operations within a hotel environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

· Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills involved in culinary training.

· Leader, trainer, and motivator of staff

· Very good knowledge of food safety, sanitation, food preparation techniques.

· Able to work flexible hours and days, including holidays and weekends.

· Knowledge of current and updated culinary trends.

· Ability to lead and mentor a large team of culinary professionals.

· Even-tempered and maintains a reputation for consistency and fairness.

· Organized; able to meet deadlines.· Good judge of people and situations

· Focused with the ability to handle many details and a heavy volume of events.

· Neat, well-groomed, and highly professional

· Exceptional guest/customer service skills

Physical Abilities:

· Ability to work from a standing position for extended periods of time.

· Ability to perform reaching, stooping and/or crouching motions repeatedly.

· Dexterity in the hands and fingers needed to effectively manipulate the tools and utensils used in food preparation.

· Visual abilities (closeness and depth perception) to ensure quality food preparation and personal safety with various types of equipment.

· Must have the sense of smell and taste needed to ensure quality food preparation.