About the position
At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we specialize in crafting extraordinary culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression on our guests. As an Event Chef, you will be responsible for preparing and overseeing high-quality dishes for off-premises events. Your leadership and expertise will ensure seamless execution, from food preparation to final plating, maintaining the highest standards of quality, presentation, and service.
Responsibilities
- Show up on time and sign in at your scheduled arrival time, dressed in accordance with our Back of House Dress Code Policy.
- Check in with the Event Supervisor to confirm event details, timing, menu specifications, and any special dietary considerations.
- Check in kitchen staff, assign tasks, and ensure all personnel are properly dressed and equipped for service.
- Lead a pre-shift meeting with the Event Supervisor to review the menu, service style, kitchen flow, and any special guest considerations.
- Direct kitchen setup and organize supplies efficiently to support seamless food production.
- Supervise food preparation, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to Blue Plate’s high culinary standards.
- Work closely with the Event Supervisor to manage plating style, service timing, and any special requests.
- Ensure all food safety regulations and proper storage procedures are followed.
- Supervise kitchen breakdown and cleaning, ensuring proper labeling and storage of leftovers.
- Hold kitchen staff accountable to all standard operating procedures and provide guidance as needed.
- Monitor staffing levels to ensure efficient labor use while maintaining service quality and adhering to event budgets.
- Release staff as duties are completed, ensuring accurate sign in/out times without rounding.
- Fill out event summaries, performance notes, and any necessary paperwork, submitting them to management at the end of each shift.
- Assist in kitchen production as needed based on business demands.
- Participate in hiring, training, performance reviews, and corrective action when necessary.
- Be present at department meetings and event site visits for planning purposes as required.
- Complete your shift by signing out at your scheduled departure time.
- Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by management to support event success.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Culinary Arts degree or advanced culinary certification is preferred.
- Must possess strong culinary skills or advanced cooking and production techniques applicable to off-site functions.
- Minimum of 6 years of successful experience in the hospitality industry, preferably in catering or hotel food service.
- Completion of City of Chicago Department of Public Health Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred, or ability to complete the certification within 90 days after date of hire.
Nice-to-haves
- Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k)-retirement plan.
- Paid time off (PTO) with sick leave.
- Commuter benefits.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
- Free meals.
- Pet insurance options.
- Wellness rewards.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
