Sous Chef - Banquets

East Bank Club • Chicago, IL

5d

About The Position

Oversee banquet culinary operations from planning and preparation through event service and breakdown. Partner with the Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and banquet leadership to deliver consistent food quality, presentation, and member service. Manage banquet production, staff, food safety, inventory, and costs. Support other kitchen areas as needed and help the community live well.

The role includes opening and closing banquet kitchens and service areas, organizing culinary preparation and execution for events, collaborating on menus, directing banquet production staff, and coordinating with front-of-house teams. It also involves supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff; addressing employee issues with leadership and Human Resources; and modeling the club’s mission and values. Other duties may be assigned by management.

Requirements

• At least five years of banquet sous chef and/or culinary supervisor experience in a high-volume banquet, restaurant, hotel, or club setting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of diverse cooking techniques, banquet production, and event service.
• Experience with purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and cost control in a multifaceted food and beverage operation.
• Maintain food safety certifications required by applicable Chicago regulations and understand food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to lead, educate, and empower team members while maintaining accountability and attention to operational detail.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate with front- and back-of-house teams and remain open to feedback, change, and growth.
• Ability to contribute to improvements in culinary offerings and the long-term growth of the program.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for prolonged periods.

Responsibilities

• Perform opening, closing, and side work according to club guidelines and ensure banquet kitchens and service areas are ready for scheduled events.
• Plan, organize, and oversee culinary preparation and execution for banquet events, including production schedules, staffing, setup, service, and breakdown.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and banquet leadership on menus and new dishes; review event details and communicate culinary needs, timing, and changes to front-of-house teams and other departments.
• Prepare food to recipe and presentation standards; check freshness, quality, portions, and service readiness before and during events.
• Direct cooks, prep, receiving, and dishwashing staff assigned to banquet production, and expedite service when needed.
• Follow health department requirements for hot and cold holding, labeling, food storage, handling, and sanitation; keep walk-in coolers clean and organized.
• Manage banquet inventory, purchasing, requisitioning, and food costs within budget; reduce waste and ensure supplies are available for upcoming events.
• Coordinate with front-of-house managers to provide a positive experience for members and guests.
• Relieve chefs in their areas during absences and assist other kitchen operations as needed.
• Supervise, train, mentor, and assign banquet culinary staff; set expectations, follow up on work, and foster a positive, collaborative environment.
• Resolve employee issues with the Executive Chef, Human Resources, and Director of Food and Beverage; counsel employees and recommend formal discipline as appropriate.
• Enforce club policies consistently and participate in 45-day, 90-day, and annual employee reviews as needed.
• Maintain proper payroll protocols and model the club mission and core values while leading and inspiring the team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match up to 3%
• Value sharing (profit sharing)
• Holiday bonus
• Paid parental leave
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• HSA and FSA enrollment options
• Short- and long-term disability options
• Life insurance, with basic coverage equivalent to annual income and voluntary options for additional coverage
• Long-term care coverage up to 50% of annual income
• Accident and critical illness insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet insurance through MetLife
• Free workout privileges
• Employee discounts in the Pro Shop, Spa & Salon services, and Market
• Parking and transit benefits through pre-tax deduction
• Access to Tickets at Work discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed