Executive Sous Chef | Banquets & Catering

Greenleaf Hospitality; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic culinary team as an Executive Sous Chef for Banquets & Catering at a leading hospitality group in Kalamazoo. You will lead high-volume events, foster team collaboration, and innovate menu offerings to elevate guest experiences, all while enjoying competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and opportunities for career advancement.

Health, wellness, and meal benefits.

Annual bonus opportunity.

401K with 100% match up to 3%.

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance.

Employee Assistance Program with counseling sessions.

Health and wellness reimbursement.

Discounted hotel rates at Choice Hotels Worldwide.

Annual leadership classes and trainings.

Flexible work schedule.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a high-volume culinary environment, preferably with banquet or catering experience.
• Strong operational understanding of food cost and labor management.
• Excellent communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of banquet kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop and maintain menus.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, promoting a positive and efficient work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Communication

Education

Culinary Degree

Job description

Overview

Top Reasons to Work With GHG

• We are one of the Nation's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for
• 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 Awaits

Join 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).

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilites

• 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

Qualifications

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 upfor 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 schedule

Why Greenleaf Hospitality Group?

Greenleaf 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.