Banquet and Catering Chef

Union Square Events

Position Title:

Banquet and Catering Chef

Salary, $90,000 to $100,000

Other Forms of Compensation:
Bonus Eligible

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

Job Summary

Role Overview

The Banquet & Private Events Chef is a senior culinary leadership role responsible for the conceptualization, execution, and operational management of all private events and off-site catering for a high-end private members club. This chef will oversee bespoke member events, corporate office catering, private residence dining, and curated pantry/restock programs, delivering a seamless, elevated culinary experience aligned with the club's values and brand.

This role requires a chef who excels in luxury hospitality, customization, and precision, and who understands that private members service is fundamentally different from traditional restaurant or hotel banquet operations.

Key Responsibilities

Private Events & Catering Leadership

* Own and lead all culinary aspects of private events, banquets, off-site catering, and bespoke dining experiences for members and their guests.

* Execute high-touch, customized menus for corporate offices, private residences, and member-hosted events, ensuring discretion, consistency, and excellence.

* Oversee pantry and refrigerator restock programs, including menu curation, sourcing, production, packaging standards, and delivery execution.

* Ensure flawless execution for events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale, high-profile functions.

Menu Development & Culinary Innovation

* Develop and implement event-specific, seasonal, and member-driven menus in collaboration with the Culinary Director, Executive Chef, and Chef de Cuisine.

* Create refined, transport-friendly menus that maintain integrity, presentation, and quality across off-site environments.

* Lead culinary R&D for special requests, alternative dietary needs, and unique member activations.

* Maintain a strong understanding of luxury catering trends, global influences, and modern service styles.

Cross-Department Collaboration

* Serve as a culinary liaison to Events, Membership, Sales, and Creative teams, supporting proposal development, tastings, and custom menu presentations.

* Collaborate with sales and events leadership to align culinary offerings with member expectations, budgets, and brand positioning.

* Support tastings, high-level presentations, media requests, promotions, and photo shoots as needed.

Additional Responsibilites

Operational Excellence

* Direct all banquet and catering production under the guidance of the Executive Chef and Culinary Director.

* Maintain rigorous quality control, consistency, and presentation standards across all event formats.

* Oversee inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and cost controls for events and catering operations.

* Identify and onboard new specialty vendors and purveyors as needed to support premium offerings.

* Develop systems and SOPs for off-site execution, packing, transportation, and service standards.

Leadership & Team Development

* Lead, train, and mentor banquet and catering culinary staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and hospitality.

* Partner with CDC and Sous Chefs on staffing, scheduling, and execution.

* Participate in hiring, coaching, performance management, and disciplinary actions as needed.

Compliance & Safety

* Ensure full compliance with HACCP, Serv Safe, and local health regulations across all on-site and off-site operations.

* Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and emergency preparedness.

Preferred Qualifications

* A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional culinary training.

* 5+ years of progressive culinary experience, with a minimum of 3 years in senior banquet, catering, or private dining leadership.

* Demonstrated experience in luxury hospitality environments (private clubs, fine dining catering, high-end hotels, estates, or bespoke catering companies).

* Strong background in high-volume and batch production without compromising quality or presentation.

* Proven ability to execute custom, client-driven menus with discretion and attention to detail.

* Deep knowledge of food cost controls, production planning, and operational efficiency.

* Serv Safe Certified (or ability to obtain promptly).

* Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills

Apply to Union Square Events today!

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

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