Cook -

Cook

At Potomac Hospitality Group, the kitchen is where culture, craft, and creativity collide. One week you're plating passed hors d'oeuvres for a dignitary reception. The next you're executing a multi-course gala dinner for hundreds of guests. The week after that, you're feeding the talent and crew on a major film production set.

All of our catering is offsite which means our cooks travel to the event, set up, and execute at the same standard as any world-class kitchen, regardless of the environment. Ballrooms, private estates, film sets, government facilities, cultural venues you bring the kitchen to the client. That takes a different level of skill, adaptability, and professionalism than working a fixed line. If you can execute under those conditions, you belong here.

If you have serious culinary range and you want a kitchen where your skills are actually challenged this is the role for you. From intimate private dinners to black-tie galas. From film sets to dignitary receptions. We do it all.

The Role

We are hiring Catering Cooks to join our kitchen team. This is a hands-on, high-output role for culinary professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and take pride in delivering flawless food at every service regardless of scale or format.

You will be part of a team that executes across a wide range of events and service styles. No two weeks look the same. You will need to be adaptable, organized, self-motivated, and deeply committed to quality.

What You'll Be Doing

Kitchen & Event Production

• Execute daily production for a high-volume catering operation supporting multiple event formats
• Prep, cook, and plate food across a range of cuisines and service styles with technical precision and creative execution
• Maintain consistency and quality standards across every dish, every event, every time
• Prep and execute food from our production kitchen for offsite events across the Metro DC region and beyond
• Set up, execute, and break down kitchen operations at offsite venues ballrooms, private estates, film sets, government facilities, and cultural venues

Event Catering Execution

• Execute offsite catering for events including cocktail receptions, galas, private dinners, corporate functions, and large-scale cultural events you are the kitchen at the venue
• Plate and present food to the standard the event requires whether that's passed canaps or a plated five-course dinner
• Adapt quickly to event-day changes while maintaining composure and output quality
• Work alongside front-of-house and event teams to ensure seamless service execution

Kitchen Standards & Leadership

• Maintain an immaculate, organized station at all times cleanliness is non-negotiable
• Follow and enforce food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards without exception
• Support junior kitchen staff through direction, demonstration, and accountability
• Communicate proactively with the Executive Chef and kitchen leadership on prep status, inventory needs, and event readiness
• Take ownership of your station and your output we need self-starters, not people who wait to be told what to do next

Who We're Looking For

We're not looking for someone who can only cook one thing well. We need culinary range. The ideal candidate has trained in or worked across multiple cuisine styles and service formats and is genuinely excited by variety.

• You have serious culinary range strong technique across multiple cuisine styles and service formats
• You are fast, efficient, and organized a clean, well-prepped station is your baseline, not your goal
• You are self-motivated you see what needs to be done and you do it
• You lead by example your standards lift the people around you
• You perform under pressure event days are high-stakes and you bring your best
• You are a professional punctual, reliable, and communicative
• You are curious and creative you engage with menus, contribute ideas, and care about the craft

The Kinds of Events You'll Work

This gives you a sense of the range. No two events are the same, and that's the point.

• Black-tie galas and dignitary receptions
• Cocktail receptions and passed hors d'oeuvres service
• Intimate private residence dinners
• Corporate luncheons and conference catering
• Large-scale cultural celebrations and tournaments
• Film and television production craft services
• Immersive fine dining experiences
• Government and institutional food service programs

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional kitchen experience in catering, hotel, fine dining, or high-volume production
• Offsite or mobile catering experience strongly preferred ability to execute at a high level outside of a fixed kitchen environment is essential
• Demonstrated ability to cook across multiple cuisine styles and service formats
• Experience with large-scale event catering preferred
• ServSafe certification required or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
• Culinary degree or formal training preferred equivalent experience considered
• Must be able to pass a Level II background check
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• A kitchen where your skills will actually be challenged and your range will be used