Executive Sous Chef | Banquets & Catering

Radisson-Hotel-Group; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401K with match up to 3%

Health, dental, vision benefits

Shift meal provided per day

Hotel employee discounts

Annual leadership trainings

PTO accrual from day one

Job summary

Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks an Executive Sous Chef for Banquets & Catering to lead high-volume events and mentor a culinary team. You'll collaborate with the Executive Chef to drive menu development, inventory control, and cost goals, while supporting sales and catering teams during tastings and events.

The role emphasizes sanitation, safety, and staff development, with opportunities to advance within Greenleaf Hospitality Group across Kalamazoo properties.

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.
• High attention to detail, time management, and organization.
• Excellent communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

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.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume culinary

Food cost control

Time management

Team motivation

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Job DescriptionTop Reasons to Work With GHGWe are one of the Nation's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work forYou’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 ResponsibilitiesSupport all aspects of banquet kitchen operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution for events of all sizesCollaborate with the Executive Chef to develop and maintain menus, manage inventory, and meet food cost and labor goalsParticipate in client tastings and support event planning with the sales and catering teamsLead and mentor kitchen staff, promoting a positive, efficient, and accountable work environmentEnsure adherence to sanitation, safety, and food handling standardsWhat We're Looking For5+ years of experience in a high-volume culinary environment, preferably with banquet or catering experienceProven leadership skills with the ability to coach and motivate kitchen staffStrong operational understanding of food cost, labor management, and kitchen systemsHigh attention to detail, time management, and organizationExcellent communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitudeCulinary degree preferred, but equivalent experience will be consideredPhysical RequirementsAbility to stand for long periods (up to 10+ hours)Capable of lifting up to 40 poundsComfortable with bending, reaching, and repetitive tasksAble to safely work with kitchen equipment and cleaning chemicalsWhat's in it for YouCompetitive 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 opportunityAccrued PTO starts immediately and is available as soon as a minimum of 2 hours is accrued401K with 100% match up to 3% and 50% match up for the next 2%Medical/Dental/Vision/Disability/Life InsuranceRobust Employee Assistance Program providing a wide range of services including up to 7 free counseling sessions per yearHealth 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 dayDiscounted hotel rates at Choice Hotels WorldwideMonthly cell phone stipendsAnnual leadership classes and trainingsParental Leave ProgramFlexible work scheduleWhy 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.