Banquet Chef

Join the iconic Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where historic charm meets contemporary luxury in the heart of Santa Monica. As a seamless merger of historic retrofit and new construction, our 267-room boutique hotel showcases stunning interior design by international style icon Kelly Wearstler, tantalizing dining options by local culinary stars, and a show-stopping rooftop lounge and swimming pool. With 16,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting and event space, we create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We're currently seeking a passionate hospitality professional to join our award-winning team as a Banquet Chef. This role combines culinary expertise with leadership skills to deliver exceptional dining experiences for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. If you have a dedication to excellence, we'd love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and execute all banquet food preparation and presentation for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions of 300+ guests
• Create innovative and seasonally-inspired menus that align with our luxury standards
• Manage kitchen staff scheduling, training, and performance
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain highest standards of kitchen sanitation
• Collaborate with the Events team to customize menus and accommodate special dietary requirements
• Control food costs, inventory, and waste management
• Oversee proper equipment maintenance and kitchen operations
• Participate in menu tastings with potential clients
• Coordinate with other hotel departments to ensure seamless event execution

Education and/or Experience

• Culinary Arts degree or certification from an accredited culinary institution is preferred
• 5+ years of experience as a chef, with at least 2 years in banquet or large-scale event culinary operations
• Proven experience in high-volume kitchen management, particularly in a banquet or hotel environment
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and menu development for large events
• Experience with inventory control, ordering, and food cost management
• Previous union experience is preferred but not required

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate kitchen staff and maintain a positive working environment
• Excellent culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food presentation, and plating
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and hygiene practices
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and ensure smooth execution during high-pressure events
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with front-of-house staff and event coordinators
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing event requirements and guest needs
• Proficiency in kitchen equipment, tools, and inventory management software
• ServSafe certification required

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods during banquet preparations and events
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (e.g., boxes of ingredients, kitchen supplies, or equipment)
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching to perform tasks or manage inventory
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules

Why Join Proper Hospitality
At Proper, we build experiences that move people - and that begins with the team behind them. As a best-in-class employer, we're committed to creating one of the Best Places to Work in hospitality by nurturing a culture where creativity, excellence, and humanity thrive together.

Everything we do is grounded in the belief that hospitality is more than a profession - it's an opportunity to care for others and make lives better. Guided by the Pillars of Proper, we show up with warmth and authenticity (Care Proper), strive for excellence in everything we do (Achieve Proper), think creatively and resourcefully (Imagine Proper), and take pride in the style and culture that make us who we are (Present Proper).

We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we invest deeply in their wellbeing, growth, and sense of belonging. From comprehensive benefits to meaningful development programs, Proper is designed to help you build a career, and a life, that feels as inspiring as the experiences we create for our guests.

Our Commitment: Building the Best Place to Work

Our Best Place to Work initiative is a living commitment - a continuous investment in our people, our culture, and our purpose. We listen, learn, and evolve together to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to imagine boldly, achieve confidently, care deeply, and present themselves authentically.

At Proper, joining the team means more than finding a job - it means joining a community that believes in building beautiful experiences together, for our guests and for one another.