Event Production Cook, The Department at Hudson's

Event Production Cook

The Lead Event Cook is responsible for leading culinary execution for events at The Department at Hudson's while maintaining exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, presentation, sanitation, and guest experience. This role serves as the culinary lead during assigned events and supports successful execution across banquet service, plated dinners, receptions, buffets, action stations, corporate dining, and special activations. Outside of event operations, the Lead Event Cook plays a key role in daily culinary production by supporting prep, batch cooking, caf production, menu execution, inventory readiness, and overall kitchen operations to ensure the department remains production-ready. This position requires strong leadership, organization, communication, and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume culinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

Event Execution & Culinary Leadership

• Lead culinary execution for assigned events and service periods.
• Execute banquet, plated, buffet, reception, chef-attended station, and specialty event service according to approved menus and timelines.
• Review BEOs, production schedules, event timelines, and menu details prior to execution.
• Coordinate culinary team assignments and oversee workflow during events.
• Ensure all food is executed to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation expectations.
• Monitor service timing and maintain communication with culinary and event leadership.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges while maintaining guest experience standards.
• Serve as acting culinary lead during service when leadership is not present.

Food Production & Kitchen Operations (Non-Event Days)

• Support daily kitchen production and prep operations during periods without scheduled events.
• Assist in producing menu items for caf, corporate dining, grab-and-go, and internal culinary programs.
• Execute prep lists and batch cooking to support future event readiness.
• Maintain production pars and assist with inventory preparation.
• Cross-train and support multiple culinary stations as business demands require.
• Assist with receiving, organization, product rotation, and storage management.
• Support recipe execution and maintain production consistency across all culinary outlets.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead by example and maintain a professional kitchen culture.
• Train, coach, and support culinary team members on standards and execution.
• Promote accountability and teamwork across shifts.
• Communicate shortages, concerns, and operational updates proactively to leadership.
• Support onboarding and skill development of new culinary staff.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Enforce food safety, sanitation, allergen, and HACCP procedures.
• Ensure all products are properly labeled, dated, rotated, and stored.
• Monitor hot and cold holding temperatures.
• Maintain clean and organized stations and equipment.
• Support opening, closing, and deep cleaning procedures.

Operational Excellence

• Support labor efficiency and minimize waste.
• Maintain urgency while delivering quality execution.
• Assist leadership with operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain readiness for last-minute event changes and evolving business needs.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum 35 years of culinary experience in banquet, hotel, event, fine dining, or high-volume operations.
• Prior leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of banquet and production kitchen execution.
• Ability to multitask and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Serve Safe Manager certified, or the ability to receive certification through the company provided program within 90 days of employment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Core Competencies

• Culinary Execution
• Leadership
• Accountability
• Communication
• Team Development
• Adaptability
• Organization
• Food Safety
• Guest Experience
• Operational Excellence

Success Measures

• Event execution quality and timeliness
• Food consistency and presentation
• Production readiness
• Team engagement and communication
• Sanitation and compliance performance
• Ability to support both events and daily culinary production

The Department at Hudson's is committed to creating memorable guest experiences through culinary excellence, hospitality, teamwork, and operational precision.

About The Department

The Department at Hudson's bridges the Hudson's of old and new. Its name is directly inspired by the J.L Hudson's Department Store, and calls to the purpose of the iconic landmark's existence. Its brand, seen through the visual elements of logos, room names, colors and more, was created with a timeless, retro feel reminiscent of the details and history of Hudson's. Though a change in architecture, technology and design has occurred, the new Hudson's development was created with a similar intention as the old: a place where Detroiters and visitors around the world gathered. Out of the entirety of the Hudson's development, The Department is the pinnacle of retaining this sense of sophisticated place and special gather.

Our Hiring Process

Stage 1: Applied

Stage 2: Interview with our Recruiting Team

Stage 3: Interview with the Hiring Manager

Stage 4: Practical Application of your skills

Stage 5: Hired