Lead Events Cook for Banquets & High-Volume Events

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid disability coverage

401(k) retirement savings plan

Job summary

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC is seeking a Lead Events Cook to coordinate and execute food preparation for banquets, meetings, and events. You will lead culinary team members, ensure quality and safety, and align with BEOs, menus, and timelines.

You will work closely with culinary leadership and event planners to deliver seamless service, maintain high standards, and foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of professional culinary experience, including lead roles.
• Experience with banquet/catering in high-volume settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in preparation, cooking, plating for banquets and events.
• Coordinate event production based on BEOs, menus, guest counts, and timelines.
• Provide training and guidance to culinary team members.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership and Event Planning teams for seamless service.
• Monitor quality, safety, and guest satisfaction throughout service.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and equipment upkeep.
• Anticipate challenges and adjust to last-minute event needs.
• Support menu execution and recipe implementation with leadership.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety

Communication

Team motivation

Banquet coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club in Durham, NC is seeking a Lead Events Cook to coordinate and execute food preparation for banquets, meetings, and events. You will lead culinary team members, ensure quality and safety, and align with BEOs, menus, and timelines.

You will work closely with culinary leadership and event planners to deliver seamless service, maintain high standards, and foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.