Head Chef: Catering & Events Leader

Tioga-Downs-Casino-Resort; Hoopers Valley (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee daycare

Generous 401(k) plan — 100% vested

Medical, Dental, Vision, and more

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee discounts on hotel, dining, &

Job summary

Tioga Downs Casino Resort is seeking a Head Chef – Catering & Events to lead the culinary operation behind weddings, banquets, corporate events, and casino functions throughout the resort.

You’ll manage a high-volume team, balance creativity with execution, and ensure exceptional food quality, safety, and presentation across all events while aligning with guest experiences and cost controls.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Chef in a full-service restaurant, hotel, banquet, catering, or resort environment.
• Proven ability to lead a culinary team in a fast-paced, high-volume operation.
• Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for food.
• Experience with menu development, food costing, inventory, and labor management.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations for catering events.
• Develop menus based on seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, guest preferences, event needs, and cost considerations.
• Oversee the preparation, portioning, presentation, and execution of all catering food.
• Maintain consistent quality and presentation across events of all sizes.
• Collaborate with leadership and other departments to develop culinary concepts for special events and unique guest experiences.
• Lead all back-of-house culinary operations for catering events throughout the casino resort.
• Plan staffing, prep, production, and execution around event volume and business demands.
• Ensure food is prepared and served on time while maintaining quality and presentation standards.
• Be hands-on when needed, stepping into the kitchen and leading the team through high-volume service.
• Ensure kitchen operations meet all applicable health, safety, sanitation, and food-handling standards.
• Establish and coordinate deep-cleaning schedules in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and utensils and recommend repairs or replacements as needed.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Staff training

Event catering

Food safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Tioga Downs Casino Resort is seeking a Head Chef – Catering & Events to lead the culinary operation behind weddings, banquets, corporate events, and casino functions throughout the resort.

You’ll manage a high-volume team, balance creativity with execution, and ensure exceptional food quality, safety, and presentation across all events while aligning with guest experiences and cost controls.