Culinary Associate - Events and Hospitality

Job Description:
The Culinary Associate – Events & Hospitality is a hands-on culinary and event support position responsible for assisting the Food & Beverage Event Manager with the physical setup, execution, and breakdown of events at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and Table24. The primary focus of the position is event setup and logistics, while continuing to perform core cooking, preparation, cleaning, and culinary support duties when event responsibilities do not require priority attention. This position helps execute the event plan established by the Food & Beverage Event Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Food & Beverage Event Manager with event setup, room preparation, event logistics, and breakdown.
• Review event setup requirements and timelines with the Food & Beverage Event Manager and execute assigned tasks.
• Set and stage tables, chairs, linens, serving equipment, chafers, beverage stations, food-service equipment, and other event supplies.
• Assist with room layouts, buffet and food-service stations, guest-service areas, and overall event presentation.
• Pull, transport, load, unload, stage, clean, and return event equipment and supplies to proper storage.
• Ensure event spaces, service areas, kitchens, and supporting areas are clean, organized, safe, and event-ready.
• Assist culinary staff with food preparation, cooking, plating, staging, replenishment, and service for events.
• Monitor food and service stations during events and replenish supplies as directed.
• Provide hands-on operational support to the Food & Beverage Event Manager during events and assist with basic logistical troubleshooting.
• Assist with post-event breakdown, including removal of food, service equipment, tables, chairs, trash, and other event materials.
• Reset event spaces for the next event or normal facility use.
• Perform regular culinary duties, including prep, cooking, cleaning, dish area support, inventory organization, and food production for Food Bank programs when not assigned to event responsibilities.
• Assist with maintaining coolers, freezers, pantry areas, kitchen equipment, and event equipment in an organized and sanitary condition.
• Follow Tulsa County Health Department requirements, food-safety procedures, written food-tracking procedures, and Food Bank policies.
• Assist with volunteers and other culinary staff as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Food & Beverage Event Manager, Sous Chef, Director of Culinary Services, or Chief Culinary Officer.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Culinary training or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Current Food Handler’s Permit issued by the Tulsa County Health Department.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain organized event and culinary work areas.
• Ability to organize, plan, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively or independently and function effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people, including staff, volunteers, vendors, and guests.
• Must be available for early morning shifts and occasional evenings and weekends based on the event schedule.
• Ability to follow event timelines and respond appropriately to changing operational needs.

REQUIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A desire to fulfill the Food Bank’s mission and uphold its core values.
• Integrity, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to prioritize, move quickly, and maintain strong follow-through in a dynamic environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work well with people at all levels.
• A strong commitment to teamwork, hospitality, cleanliness, and service.

PHYSICAL & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, and use a computer.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. repetitively and safely move event equipment and supplies.
• Ability to work long or irregular hours during events and travel by car, van, bus, or other transportation as required.
• Successful candidates are required to pass a drug screen and background check.

ROLE BOUNDARIES

This position is primarily an event execution and culinary support role. The Culinary Associate – Events & Hospitality supports the Food & Beverage Event Manager by carrying out physical setup, service, logistics, and breakdown responsibilities. The position is not responsible for client booking, contracts, estimates, invoices, event sales, or overall event management.