Catering & Events Cook

Catering & Events Cook

LEVEL: Cook IV - PAY RANGE: $22.00 $25.00/hr

The Catering & Events Cook is a seasoned culinary professional capable of executing at a luxury and high-end catering level. This role works in the kitchen day-to-day and transitions to on-site event support based on the catering and events schedule, serving as a pantry cook or chef in client-facing environments where polish, independence, and consistency are essential.

Prepare food across multiple outlets and departments, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation standards are met for every service.

This is a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment where multiple outlets and service periods run simultaneously. The ability to stay organized, move efficiently under pressure, and maintain consistency during peak rushes is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute high-end catering and event menus with precision and consistency
• Work in-house in the kitchen and on-site at events as a pantry cook or chef, based on the catering and events schedule
• Maintain professional composure and presentation in client-facing settings
• Coordinate setup, execution, and breakdown of catering stations, both in-house and on-site at event locations
• Partner with event leadership on logistics, timing, and menu execution
• Mentor junior kitchen staff on catering and event-specific techniques
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and transport/storage procedures in the kitchen and at event locations
• Support other outlets or departments as business needs require

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional kitchen experience at a senior or lead level (minimum requirement)
• Previous catering experience, including off-premise events, preferred
• Experience with a variety of cultural cuisines is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work independently both in the kitchen and in client-facing, on-site event settings
• Strong working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and transport standards
• Ability to work flexible and variable hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and event-based schedules
• Reliable transportation for on-site event assignments outside the building, as scheduled
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working near heat sources, sharp tools, in both in-house kitchen and on-site event environments, and in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

Potomac Hospitality Group