Banquet Chef

At Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, we're so much more than hospitality. Our goal is to provide our team with the tools to grow both personally and professionally while building the skills to take their careers to the next level.

We're looking for an experienced Banquet Chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional food for weddings, conferences, galas, holiday parties, and other special events. If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys mentoring a team, creating memorable dining experiences, and bringing large-scale events to life, we'd love to hear from you.

As our Banquet Chef, you'll lead the culinary execution of catered events from prep through service, ensuring every dish meets our quality standards while keeping the kitchen running efficiently.

Responsibilities include

• Lead and work alongside the banquet culinary team during event preparation and service
• Execute banquet menus with consistency, quality, and attention to detail
• Coordinate food production based on banquet event orders and timelines
• Partner with the Executive Chef to plan production schedules and staffing
• Assist with food ordering and inventory for catered events
• Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards
• Manage leftovers and minimize food waste whenever possible
• Help train, mentor, and support members of the culinary team
• Collaborate with banquet, sales, and operations teams to ensure successful events
• Assist in other kitchen operations as business needs require

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys leading by example and isn't afraid to jump on the line when needed. You can stay organized under pressure, adapt quickly to changing event needs, and understand that every banquet is an opportunity to create a memorable guest experience.

You'll be successful if you have

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Experience coordinating multiple banquet or catering events
• Knowledge of scratch cooking techniques and kitchen operations
• A commitment to food quality, consistency, and presentation
• A team-first attitude with a willingness to mentor others
• Excellent organization and time management skills

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary experience, preferably in a hotel, banquet, catering, or high-volume kitchen
• At least 2 years of culinary leadership or supervisory experience
• Formal culinary training is preferred but not required
• Current Oregon Food Handler Card required
• ACF Certification is a plus

Schedule

Hospitality isn't a typical 9-to-5 job. This position requires a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.

Why Join Our Team?

At Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront, you'll be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, growth, and taking pride in what we do. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible and creating opportunities for our employees to continue developing their careers.

If you're passionate about great food, enjoy leading a team, and want to be part of creating unforgettable events, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $58,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Shift

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Night shift

Experience

• Culinary Management: 2 years (Preferred)
• Cooking: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person