Banquet Chef

Banquet Chef – Walker Hotel Tribeca

Walker Hotel Tribeca is a 171-room boutique hotel in a former ribbon factory in lower Manhattan. Its event program runs across the Lobby, the Library, the Ribbon and Button Rooms, Seventy Seven Alley, Walker Rooftop, Cortlandt Alley and Saint Tuesday. Events range from 10-person board dinners to 150-guest rooftop receptions.

The Banquet Chef owns the food for every group and private event at the hotel. You’ll turn signed BEOs into flawless execution, lead the banquet kitchen team, and deliver restaurant-quality food at catering scale and pace. You’ll work daily with Sales & Catering, banquet service and the Executive Chef.

Reports to: Executive Chef, Director of Food and Beverage
Status: Full-time, exempt

Responsibilities

Event Execution

• Review every BEO in advance and plan prep lists, production schedules, ordering and staffing to match.
• Run the kitchen side of all events: plated dinners, family style, buffets, stations, passed canapés and breakfast/meeting breaks.
• Run event-day timing: plate-ups, pass, holding temperatures and coordination with the banquet captain.
• Attend weekly BEO meetings and pre-event meetings, and flag issues before they reach the guest.
• Manage multiple same-day events across different spaces, including rooftop and off-kitchen setups.

Menu Development & Client Work

• Develop and update banquet and catering menus with the Executive Chef.
• Join tastings and client meetings with Sales & Catering, and build custom menus for private events.
• Handle allergies and dietary needs accurately, and document them for every event.

Team Leadership

• Hire, schedule, train and develop banquet cooks.
• Set clear standards for recipes, plating and station setup.
• Lead pre-shifts and hold the team accountable for quality, speed and professionalism.
• Support the restaurant and in-room dining kitchens during slow event periods.

Cost Control

• Hit banquet food cost and labor targets, and adjust staffing as headcounts change.
• Order, receive and rotate product; minimize waste and track yields.
• Maintain standardized recipes and costed menus.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain NYC Department of Health standards in all banquet kitchens, pantries and event spaces.
• Enforce temperature logs, labeling, FIFO and allergen protocols.
• Keep equipment maintained and storage areas clean and organized.

Required Qualifications

• Prior hotel banquet or event experience is required: 3+ years producing events in a hotel kitchen, including at least 1 year as banquet sous chef, banquet chef or an equivalent lead role.
• 5+ years of progressive professional kitchen experience.
• Proven ability to execute plated events of 100+ guests and run multiple events in one day.
• Fluent in reading and executing BEOs.
• Track record of managing food and labor costs against budget.
• Experience hiring, training and leading a kitchen team.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Strong knowledge of allergen management and food safety.
• Clear communicator who stays calm under pressure.
• Available early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays, based on the event schedule.

Preferred Qualifications

• Banquet experience at a boutique or lifestyle hotel in NYC.
• High-volume rooftop or outdoor event experience.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training.
• Experience with Delphi, Tripleseat or a similar catering platform.
• Spanish/English bilingual.
• ServSafe Manager or Allergen certification.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for 10+ hours per shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs; move loaded carts and hot boxes between floors and event spaces.
• Work in hot, cold and wet environments, including the rooftop in season.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $70K– $82 per year
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee meals
• Discounted stays across Walker Hotels
• Growth Potential within Bridgeton Hospitality

Walker Hotel Tribeca is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic.