Banquet Events Chef Lead

International House Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Professional development support

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

International House Berkeley in Berkeley, CA seeks an experienced Banquet Chef to lead planning, production, and delivery for all events on-site. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will manage BEOs, menus, staffing, and ensure on-time, on-budget service with high quality.

This hands-on role emphasizes leadership in a fast-paced, multicultural kitchen environment. Ideal candidates have a culinary degree, 3–5 years of progressive experience, strong English communication, and a proven ability to

Qualifications

• A culinary degree or equivalent professional training is required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication in the English language, demonstrates active listening, flexibility, critical thinking, and the ability to multi‑task and ensure effective time management.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing international cuisines and accommodating diverse dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten‑free, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, kitchen management, and inventory control.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Experience managing and motivating a diverse kitchen staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.
• Ability to lead in a unionized environment.
• Must be able to work in person in Berkeley, CA.
• Schedule flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays

Responsibilities

• Provide food preparation and execution for small- to large-scale events
• Prepare, revise, and manage Banquet Event Orders (BEOs)
• Translate BEOs into prep lists, production schedules, and station assignments
• Place orders, receive deliveries, and verify quality and pricing
• Manage inventory, minimize waste, and help meet food cost targets
• Develop menus, portions, and recipe specifications
• Deliver top‑notch service to ensure consistent food delivery, timing, and presentation
• Enforce HACCP, sanitation, and food safety standards in all areas
• Maintain proper labeling, rotation, and storage practices
• Manage allergen protocols and communicate allergy information appropriately
• Ensure equipment is clean, maintained, and used safely; report repair promptly
• Inspect all food for quality, seasoning, and temperature before it leaves the kitchen
• Ensure all food safety requirements are adhered to consistently
• Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
• Support staff development through training in culinary techniques, safety practices, and customer service
• Create and manage staffing schedules
• Brief staff on upcoming events
• Proactively and productively collaborate with events staff to ensure successful events
• Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Banquet events

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Allergen management

HACCP knowledge

Inventory control

English communication

Team motivation

Union awareness

Scheduling

Education

A culinary degree or equivalent professional training

Job description

International House Berkeley in Berkeley, CA seeks an experienced Banquet Chef to lead planning, production, and delivery for all events on-site. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will manage BEOs, menus, staffing, and ensure on-time, on-budget service with high quality.

This hands-on role emphasizes leadership in a fast-paced, multicultural kitchen environment. Ideal candidates have a culinary degree, 3–5 years of progressive experience, strong English communication, and a proven ability to