Banquet Sous Chef

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions; Woodford (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth with promotion from within

Discounts and education assistance

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking a Banquet Sous Chef to assist in managing kitchen operations for large-scale events in Woodford, Virginia. This role requires strong culinary leadership and the ability to maintain high-quality food presentation while ensuring smooth kitchen workflows.

Ideal candidates should have a background in high-volume banquet production and demonstrate collaboration, respect, and service to others. A culinary degree is preferred but not necessary, and the position offers opportunities for career growth along with various employee perks.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in a high-volume banquet kitchen, preferably in hotels or large convention centers.
• Strong culinary skills in banquet service.
• Basic understanding of P&L knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen operations for large-scale events.
• Maintain food quality and safety standards.
• Collaborate with other departments to adjust service smoothly during events.
• Ensure timely food presentation and delivery.

Skills

Experience in high-volume banquet production

Culinary leadership

Collaboration in kitchen operations

Food safety standards

Education

Culinary degree (preferred)

Job description

Banquet Sous Chef

In this role, you’ll assist the banquet team in managing kitchen operations for large-scale events. You’ll prepare and present high-quality food for all banquet meals, maintain food safety and sanitation standards, and ensure smooth kitchen workflows. You’ll collaborate with the Executive Banquet Chef and kitchen staff to meet guest expectations and adapt to changing event demands while maintaining consistency and efficiency. You must have the ability to run the banquet kitchen in the absence of the Executive Banquet Chef.

As part of our leadership team, you’ll embody our Promise to Lead with Love—guiding, supporting, and inspiring associates while delivering extraordinary guest experiences. Through strong culinary leadership, attention to detail, and collaboration with the banquet team, you help deliver the outstanding hospitality our guests expect while fostering a supportive and high‑performing environment for associates.

Salary Range - $70,000 - $75,000 per year.

What You’ll Do:

• Contribute to the execution of large-scale banquet events, ensuring food quality, presentation, and timely delivery.
• Foster a collaborative environment to maintain high operational standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality, safety, and cleanliness in accordance with resort policies and health regulations.
• Collaborate with other departments to adjust service based on last‑minute changes or guest requests. Attend daily BEO meetings.
• Continuously improve kitchen efficiency and workflows, ensuring high productivity during peak banquet service.
• Enforce proper safety, sanitation, and equipment maintenance standards to ensure a safe kitchen environment.

What We’re Looking For:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in a high‑volume banquet production kitchen, preferably within a hotel, resort (500+ rooms), or a large convention center (75,000+ sq. ft. of meeting space).
• Strong culinary experience in banquet and large‑scale food service operations.
• Basic understanding of P&L knowledge.
• Spanish speaking is helpful but not required.
• Culinary degree preferred but not required.
• A leadership style rooted in collaboration, respect, and service to others.

Why Kalahari?

• Career growth with promotion from within
• Discounts, perks, and education assistance

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.