Banquet Sous Chef

International House at UC Berkeley•Berkeley, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

International House (I-House) at UC Berkeley is a nonprofit organization that fosters intercultural respect, lifelong friendships, and leadership skills. It hosts students and postdoctoral scholars from more than 80 countries and provides residential, dining, hospitality, event, and catering services. Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Banquet Sous Chef leads the planning, production, and delivery of banquets, conferences, and events at I-House. The role oversees event execution to ensure it is timely, within budget, and meets I-House standards. The chef also creates, inspects, and audits dining-unit meal services for menu quality, consistency, food safety, production safety, and food-cost accuracy. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced, multicultural kitchen, combining culinary work with staff supervision and coordination with event staff. This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position requiring in-person work in Berkeley, California. The stated schedule is 40–50 hours per week, with flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays. The work environment is a fast-paced kitchen and dining operation; the role requires standing for extended periods and regularly lifting 25–30 pounds.

Requirements

A culinary degree or equivalent professional training.
Three to five years of progressive culinary experience.
Strong verbal and written English communication, active listening, flexibility, critical thinking, multitasking, and time-management skills.
Experience preparing international cuisines and accommodating diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free diets.
Strong knowledge of food safety standards, kitchen management, and inventory control.
Intermediate computer skills.
Experience managing and motivating a diverse kitchen staff.
Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.
Ability to lead in a unionized environment.
Ability to work in person in Berkeley, California.
Schedule flexibility to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to stand for extended periods, up to six to eight hours.
Ability to regularly lift 25–30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Prior events experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare and execute food service for events ranging from small to large scale.
Prepare, revise, and manage Banquet Event Orders (BEOs).
Translate BEOs into preparation lists, production schedules, and station assignments.
Place orders, receive deliveries, and verify product quality and pricing.
Manage inventory, minimize waste, and help meet food-cost targets.
Develop menus, portions, and recipe specifications.
Ensure consistent food delivery, timing, presentation, and high-quality service.
Enforce HACCP, sanitation, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen.
Maintain proper food labeling, rotation, and storage practices.
Manage allergen protocols and communicate allergy information appropriately.
Ensure equipment is clean, maintained, and safely used, and promptly report repairs needed.
Inspect food for quality, seasoning, and temperature before it leaves the kitchen.
Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive environment.
Support staff development in culinary techniques, safety practices, and customer service.
Create and manage staffing schedules and brief staff on upcoming events.
Collaborate proactively and productively with event staff to ensure successful events.
Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement contributions, including a 100% employer match on employee contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation and an additional employer non-elective contribution for eligible employees, subject to plan terms.
Paid vacation, accruing 18 days in the first year and increasing after five years.
Paid sick time.
14 paid holidays.
Generous family leave and accommodations.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Commuter benefits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Professional development support.
Eligible employees may participate in a 403(b) retirement plan.