Executive Sous Chef | Banquets & Catering

Greenleaf Hospitality Group; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, wellness, and meal benefits

Annual bonus opportunity

401K with matching contributions

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

A hospitality management company in Kalamazoo is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef for Banquets & Catering. This role involves leading a high-performing culinary team, managing banquet operations, and ensuring high-quality execution of events. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in a high-volume culinary environment and demonstrated leadership skills. The position offers competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Join a dynamic team in a vibrant event destination.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a high-volume culinary environment, preferably with banquet or catering experience.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and motivate kitchen staff.
• Strong operational understanding of food cost, labor management, and kitchen systems.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of banquet kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and inventory management.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, promoting a positive work environment.
• Ensure adherence to sanitation, safety, and food handling standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

High-volume culinary experience

Food cost management

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Job description

**Job Description**# **Top Reasons to Work With GHG*** You’ll have the opportunity to work with a Culinary Team that is fun, creative, and enthusiastic!* You will have the opportunity to grow your skills and experience in an environment that fosters growth and development.# Opportunity AwaitsJoin a high-performing culinary team at the heart of one of Kalamazoo’s most dynamic event destinations. As Executive Sous Chef for Banquets & Catering, you’ll help lead the execution of high-volume events, support a team of culinary professionals, and collaborate on innovative offerings that elevate our guest experience.This position is based at the **Radisson Plaza Hotel** and is an integral part of our **Greenleaf Hospitality Group** family, which includes exciting future opportunities across the Kalamazoo Country Club and the upcoming Kalamazoo Event Center (opening in 2027).# Key Responsibilities* Support all aspects of banquet kitchen operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution for events of all sizes* Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop and maintain menus, manage inventory, and meet food cost and labor goals* Participate in client tastings and support event planning with the sales and catering teams* Lead and mentor kitchen staff, promoting a positive, efficient, and accountable work environment* Ensure adherence to sanitation, safety, and food handling standards# **What We're Looking For*** 5+ years of experience in a high-volume culinary environment, preferably with banquet or catering experience* Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and motivate kitchen staff* Strong operational understanding of food cost, labor management, and kitchen systems* High attention to detail, time management, and organization* Excellent communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude* Culinary degree preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered# **Physical Requirements*** Ability to stand for long periods (up to 10+ hours)* Capable of lifting up to 40 pounds* Comfortable with bending, reaching, and repetitive tasks* Able to safely work with kitchen equipment and cleaning chemicals# **What's in it for You*** Competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement.* Health, wellness, and meal benefits.* The opportunity to lead a dedicated team and create a top-tier guest experience.* Annual bonus opportunity* Accrued PTO starts immediately and is available as soon as a minimum of 2 hours is accrued* 401K with 100% match up to 3% and 50% match up for the next 2%* Medical/Dental/Vision/Disability/Life Insurance* Robust Employee Assistance Program providing a wide range of services including up to 7 free counseling sessions per year* Health and wellness reimbursement up to $600 annually for items like massages, gym memberships, running shoes etc.* 10% discount on GHG outlets* (1) shift meal provided per day* Discounted hotel rates at Choice Hotels Worldwide* Monthly cell phone stipends* Annual leadership classes and trainings* Parental Leave Program* Flexible work scheduleGreenleaf Hospitality Group is committed to creating opportunities for growth and development across our portfolio of properties. While this role is based at the Radisson, there are long-term pathways for advancement as we expand our footprint—including upcoming opportunities at the Kalamazoo Event Center and Kalamazoo Country Club.