Cook I - Garde Manger (Full Time)

Loews Hotels, LLC.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) & company match

Paid sick days, vacation, and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Team member hotel rates

Job summary

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, a luxury resort in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Garde Manger Cook I to oversee cold kitchen items—salads, canapes, and buffet displays—with an eye for quality and presentation.

You will collaborate with culinary leadership on menu development, train junior staff, and ensure food safety standards across all cold station operations in a fast-paced hotel environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary school training strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen with at least 1 year in a Garde Manger role.
• Strong knife skills and artistic presentation ability.
• Experience in large-scale banquet or hotel operations.
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and cold storage procedures.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and presentation of all cold food items, ensuring quality, taste, and visual appeal.
• Supervise and assist Cook II and III with station setup, prep, and plating for banquets, outlets, and events.
• Prepare high-end buffet and plated presentations including fruit carvings, aspics, terrines, pates, and cheese displays.
• Ensure mise en place is complete and organized for all functions.
• Collaborate with chefs to execute seasonal and event-based menu items.
• Uphold food safety and sanitation practices at all times.
• Monitor inventory and communicate product needs or shortages.
• Train and mentor lower-level cooks and guide them in proper culinary techniques and station organization.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and efficiency of the cold kitchen area.
• Regular attendance in conformance with standards.
• May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs.
• Required to attend all mandatory training sessions and meeting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Knife skills

Pantry cold station

Work under pressure

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Basic mathematical skills

Food Handler's Card

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school training (preferred)

Job description

Recognized as an AZ Central Top Workplace, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers careers at a luxury resort in Tucson's Catalina Foothills. Team members create memorable stays for guests seeking relaxation and adventure across 398 guest rooms, five dining outlets, spa, recreation, and event spaces.

Who We Are

Founded in 1960, Loews Hotels & Co operates iconic hotels and resorts across the U.S. Together, our diverse and welcoming teams craft exceptional experiences in iconic destinations.

Growth and belonging start here; you'll be valued for who you are and the goals you have. Whether your next career chapter involves making memories for guests or supporting our properties in our Corporate Office, every role-from Guest Services to Finance, Culinary to IT-offers opportunities to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Creating a Team Member experience where you belong no matter what age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status that makes you, you is a daily focus for us.

What We Offer:

• Competitive health & wellness benefits, 401(k) & company match
• Paid Sick Days, Vacation, and Holidays, Paid Bereavement, Paid Pet Bereavement
• Training & Development opportunities, career growth
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Pet Insurance
• Team Member Hotel Rates, other discounts, perks & more
• Complimentary meals in Team Member Cafe while working
• Golf discount at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
• Community volunteer opportunities
• Benefits are subject to eligibility and may vary by position

What We're Looking For:

The Garde Manger Cook I is the senior-level cook in the cold kitchen, responsible for overseeing the preparation, presentation, and execution of all cold food items including salads, charcuterie, canapes, amuse-bouche, and buffet displays. This role ensures the highest quality and consistency in accordance with hotel standards and works closely with culinary leadership on menu development and event execution.

Who You Are:

• Basic knife skills
• Ability to work pantry cold food station, (salads, dressings, basic cutting and slicing)
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks and difficult situations
• Knowledge of operating all kitchen equipment
• Basic mathematical skills
• Must be able to obtain Food Handler's Card
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, lift 50 pounds and push carts weighing up to 200 pounds
• Ability to speak, read and write English
• Veterans and military spouses are encouraged to apply

What You Will Do:

• Lead the preparation and presentation of all cold food items, ensuring quality, taste, and visual appeal.
• Supervise and assist Cook II and III with station setup, prep, and plating for banquets, outlets, and events
• Prepare high-end buffet and plated presentations including fruit carvings, aspics, terrines, pates, and cheese displays
• Ensure mise en place is complete and organized for all functions
• Collaborate with chefs to execute seasonal and event-based menu items
• Uphold food safety and sanitation practices at all times
• Monitor inventory and communicate product needs or shortages
• Train and mentor lower-level cooks and guide them in proper culinary techniques and station organization
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and efficiency of the cold kitchen area
• Regular attendance in conformance with standards
• May be required to work varying schedules to reflect business needs
• Required to attend all mandatory training sessions and meeting
• Perform other duties as assigned

Your Qualifications Include:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary school training strongly preferred
• 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen with at least 1 year in a Garde Manger role
• Strong knife skills and artistic presentation ability
• Experience in large-scale banquet or hotel operations preferred
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and cold storage procedures
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs

Preferred

• High School Diploma or equivalent