FIRST COOK BANQUET

The Pueblo of Sandia is a tribal government entity located in New Mexico, committed to fostering a work environment built on the principles of integrity, fairness, collaboration, communication, and recognition for performance excellence. The Pueblo operates various venues including hospitality and food service operations that serve both the local community and visitors. Emphasizing respect for cultural values and community engagement, the Pueblo maintains a dedicated workforce that supports its ongoing success today and in the future.

The Culinary Lead position is a pivotal role within the Pueblo of Sandia's food service operations. This leadership role involves managing culinary operations across food venues with limited supervision, ensuring that high standards of food preparation, presentation, storage, and safety are consistently maintained. The Culinary Lead assists in training kitchen staff, preparing work schedules, overseeing food production, and ensuring that recipes and plating instructions are strictly followed. They work closely with the Sous Chef and Banquet Chef to maintain the quality and consistency of food items including appetizers, salads, soups, sauces, entrées, and vegetables.

This role demands a thorough knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety regulations, and banquet operations. The Culinary Lead ensures that kitchen workstations and storage areas remain clean and orderly and that the kitchen staff adheres to sanitation standards. They investigate and resolve guest complaints, manage kitchen opening and closing duties, and ensure that food production aligns with projected needs to minimize waste. The individual must be able to maintain composure and professionalism in a fast-paced environment and foster strong collaboration and communication among team members.

Applicants can expect to work in a dynamic environment within the Pueblo's hospitality and banquet services. The position requires flexibility including the ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to perform various physical movements such as bending, crouching, and standing for extended periods. Employment includes participation in performance reviews based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure success in the role.

This job is full-time and carries essential responsibilities that contribute toward the efficiency and quality of the Pueblo's culinary services. The position requires a commitment to upholding tribal, federal, state, and local regulations regarding food preparation and safety. It also involves regular communication with team members to create a respectful, honest, and integrity-driven workplace culture that supports employee development and operational excellence.