Specialty Cook

The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is a distinguished hotel situated in the heart of Portland, Oregon, known for its exceptional hospitality and prime location along the scenic Willamette River. This hotel is part of Marriott International, a global leader in the hospitality industry committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences through quality service, innovative amenities, and a diverse range of accommodations. The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront offers guests a combination of comfort, luxury, and convenience, catering to both business travelers and tourists alike. As a flagship property of Marriott, this hotel places a strong emphasis on employee growth, inclusivity, and innovation, fostering a workplace culture where associates are empowered and valued members of a global team.

This full-time position falls under the Food and Beverage and Culinary category, specifically targeted at individuals seeking a non-management role in culinary services within a prestigious hospitality environment. The role focuses on preparing and cooking food items, primarily in banquet, line, and breakfast cook capacities. Candidates with open availability, including weekends, and experience in banquet or kitchen line positions are preferred, making it an ideal opportunity for professionals looking to expand or advance their culinary careers in a renowned hotel setting. The position does not involve remote work, requiring the associate to be physically present at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront.

In conjunction with this role, the hotel partners with Rouxbe Culinary School to offer online culinary training, providing hundreds of visually engaging lessons that employees can immediately apply on the job. This initiative underscores Marriott's dedication to employee development and career growth, offering valuable educational resources to support culinary associates at all levels of experience.

The responsibilities of this culinary role are multifaceted and emphasize quality, safety, and team collaboration. The associate will be tasked with preparing ingredients, such as portioning, chopping, and storing foods, thawing items safely, weighing and mixing ingredients following recipes, and ensuring food is cooked in line with stringent quality and presentation standards. Monitoring food quality throughout preparation, testing dishes for doneness, appropriately serving food portions, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation within the kitchen area are essential duties. Additionally, the role involves operating kitchen equipment safely, monitoring temperatures of appliances and foods, and alerting supervisors to any quality issues that arise.

Marriott values diversity and inclusion, creating an inviting environment for employees of varied backgrounds and experiences. The hotel encourages teamwork, effective communication, and a commitment to fulfilling safety protocols and company policies. Employees are expected to maintain professional appearance standards while delivering exemplary customer service to guests, contributing to an outstanding hospitality experience.

The educational requirements for this position include a high school diploma or an equivalent certification such as a GED. Candidates should have at least one year of relevant work experience in a culinary or food preparation setting. No supervisory experience or specific licenses are required, making this an accessible role for those aiming to establish or grow their culinary careers in a supportive and vibrant hospitality environment.

Joining the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront means becoming part of Marriott International's expansive portfolio of brands, known for exceptional hospitality standards worldwide. Employees here benefit from a culture that promotes personal and professional development, recognition, and a holistic approach to wellbeing. Whether you are beginning your culinary journey or advancing your skills, this position offers a chance to work with industry leaders, contribute to unforgettable guest experiences, and grow into your best professional self within one of the world's most respected hotel systems.