Banquet Chef - Full Time - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

24d•$87,265 - $98,173•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives. The Banquet Chef supports Sand Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission and vision of saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature and leading the fight against extinction. The Banquet Chef is responsible for assigned kitchen and banquet menu design and culinary execution. This position reports to the Concept Chef.

Requirements

Must have 3 years’ experience working as a Banquet Chef managing multiple banquet events required.
Experience in executing complex recipes in high volume banquet operations required.
Strong working knowledge of menu development and inventory management required.
Demonstrated ability to manage and develop diverse employees as all levels and positions in the kitchen required.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing working environments and even menu design changes, including working within complex deadlines with competing priorities required.
Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation required.
Effective supervisory and training skills for a large culinary team required.
Knowledge food health and safety requirements required.
Ability to partner collaboratively with others and work professionally under pressure required.
Ability to exercise leadership skills and build a team required.
Understanding of complex software programs required for position administration required.
Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) required.

Nice To Haves

Culinary Degree form an accredited culinary program preferred.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Concept Chef, the Banquet Chef plans, orders, prepares and fully executes large and small banquet events from the standing banquet guide as well as from custom designed themed menus of complex variety.
Collaborates with Internal and External stakeholders to ensure event execution is of the highest caliber.
Supports the Concept Chef and Retail Department at large with other culinary execution, up to and including Full Service and Quick Service Restaurant operations as required.
Responsible for designing and maintaining kitchen best practices relative to kitchen cleanliness, food quality, facility and equipment maintenance. Ensures that all kitchen operations are in line with federal, state, and local guidelines.
Responsible for employee management and development, including hiring, scheduling, payroll, training, mentoring, reviewing, and team building.
Assures sound inventory and cost control through accurate recipe development and inventory management.
Ensures operational safety in both food safety, facility and equipment safety, and employee safe work practices.