Lead Cold Kitchen Garde Manager – Catering

Project Renewal; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Renewal seeks an experienced Garde Manager Lead for City Beet Kitchens to lead cold kitchen production, supervise prep staff, and ensure flavor, safety and presentation across catering events and deliveries.

This on-site role runs five days a week, 6:00am to 2:00pm with flexible hours for large orders and special events; candidates need 5+ years in garde/cold prep, knife skills and a calm, team‑oriented approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cold prep, garde manager, or related culinary roles.
• Strong knife skills and working knowledge of cold-kitchen techniques.
• High attention to detail and time management under volume pressure.
• Ability to follow recipes, scale batches, and adapt to last minute changes.
• Ability to lift 30-50lbs and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to maintain calmness and composure under pressure.
• Exceptional patience with culinary students, interns, and junior cooks.
• Experience preparing catering-style platters, boxed meals, and buffet setups.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a positive, professional attitude under pressure.
• Ability to take instructions and feedback from head chef, Director of Events, and Senior Events Manager.
• Must maintain a clean and sanitary workstation consistently.

Responsibilities

• Lead cold food production, including salads, dressings, and platters.
• Lead cook for cold station and ensure flavor, freshness and presentation.
• Review daily orders and production logs to plan quantities.
• Uphold all food safety and sanitation standards (FIFO, temps, labeling, allergens).
• Monitor stock freshness and rotate inventory proactively.
• Assist in developing new concepts and seasonal items.
• Provide input on plating styles, garnishes, and presentation ideas.
• Train interns, assistants and new hires in cold prep.

Skills

Cold prep experience

Knife skills

Attention to detail

Recipe execution

Physical stamina

Composure under pressure

Mentoring and training

Catering plating

Organization

Reliability

Team communication

Sanitation

Education

Food Handlers certified

Job description

Project Renewal seeks an experienced Garde Manager Lead for City Beet Kitchens to lead cold kitchen production, supervise prep staff, and ensure flavor, safety and presentation across catering events and deliveries.

This on-site role runs five days a week, 6:00am to 2:00pm with flexible hours for large orders and special events; candidates need 5+ years in garde/cold prep, knife skills and a calm, team‑oriented approach.