Banquet Chef

Phoenix, AZ, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Exact $85,000.00

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) match

Paid Time Off

Daily grab-and-go lunches

employee ownership

Job Description

M Culinary Concepts - Nibbler's is a celebrated and award-winning catering company based in Phoenix, Arizona, known for being among the top companies to work for and recognized as a great place to work for three consecutive years. Specializing in innovative catering solutions across the Southwest, they combine culinary creativity with impeccable service to deliver outstanding food and beverage experiences. The company is driven by a passionate team that embodies core values like Inspiring Passion, Service to Others, Humble Confidence, and Making Huge Fun, creating a work environment that is dynamic, enjoyable, and highly collaborative. This dedication to excellence and a unique company culture makes M Culinary Concepts - Nibbler's a standout leader in the catering industry.

The role of Banquet Chef at M Culinary Concepts - Nibbler's is a highly engaging and critical leadership position focused on culinary operations management within a fast-paced catering and events environment. The Banquet Chef will take full ownership of all culinary aspects related to catering and special events, including menu innovation, quality control, and executing exceptional guest experiences. This position involves overseeing the preparation and execution of a wide variety of events ranging from intimate private parties to large-scale corporate functions and social celebrations. The Banquet Chef will work in close partnership with the Sales, Operations, and Procurement teams to craft customized menus that suit client needs, event themes, and dietary considerations, guaranteeing flawless culinary execution from planning through event completion.

As a hands-on leader, the Banquet Chef will manage multiple events concurrently, ensuring all food is prepared with the utmost quality, consistency, and presentation while meeting profitability targets. In addition to operational responsibilities, this role requires fostering and nurturing a talented culinary team by providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development, thereby cultivating a culture of accountability, creativity, and teamwork. The Banquet Chef will also play a major role in standardizing recipes, menus, production guidelines, and waste reduction strategies to enhance efficiency and scalability. Comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, and health standards is essential, as the Banquet Chef will ensure full compliance across all culinary operations.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals who are passionate about leading and inspiring teams, innovating menus, and creating memorable culinary experiences that surpass guest expectations. Moreover, it provides a chance to thrive in an award-winning organization that prioritizes employee satisfaction and work-life balance. Employment at M Culinary Concepts - Nibbler's includes an attractive benefits package featuring medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) match, daily grab-and-go lunches, and an internal app that promotes employee ownership and engagement. This role perfectly suits a motivated Banquet Chef looking to contribute to a dynamic, fun, and successful catering company while advancing their culinary leadership career.

Job Requirements

Experience as a banquet chef or in a similar culinary leadership role
High school diploma or equivalent
Proven track record managing large-scale catering events
Knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation standards
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple events simultaneously
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills
Flexibility to work varied hours including weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

Superior leadership skills with the ability to mentor, train, and motivate a diverse culinary team
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate across departments
Strong understanding of dietary requirements, including food allergies, and vegetarian/vegan diets
Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing daily demands
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer software relevant to inventory and procurement systems
Extensive financial understanding, with experience managing budgets, food costs, labor costs, and maximizing profitability
Strong organizational and time management skills to ensure timely production execution and efficiency

Job Duties

Lead all culinary operations for catering events, daily production, and special event execution
Partner with Sales and Event Operations teams to design customized menus that align with client expectations, event objectives, and dietary requirements
Oversee all aspects of event culinary planning, including staffing, production schedules, logistics, food preparation, and on-site execution
Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction across all catered events and daily operations
Develop and standardize recipes, menus, and production procedures to support operational efficiency and scalability
Manage culinary labor, scheduling, food costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste reduction initiatives
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop culinary team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
Collaborate with Procurement to ensure timely ordering and availability of high-quality ingredients and supplies
Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
Stay current with industry trends, culinary innovation, and emerging catering concepts to continuously elevate the guest experience