Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from The Culinary Institute of America
Job overview
The Special Events Chef at The Culinary Institute of America plans, coordinates, and executes food production and service for special events, ensuring high culinary standards and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities and impact
The chef consults with clients on menus, manages staff including hiring and training, maintains kitchen standards, performs culinary demonstrations, ensures timely event setup and food quality, manages food and labor costs, and communicates effectively with event planners and staff.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary range of $100,000 to $110,000 with a substantial benefits package including free medical coverage for qualifying employees, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, a retirement plan with high employer contributions, and generous paid time off.
Experience and skills
Requires a two-year culinary certificate or equivalent experience, minimum five years culinary experience preferably in special events, at least three years supervisory experience, food handler certification, expert knife and butchery skills, advanced cooking and plating skills, strong communication and organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple events.
Work environment and culture
The role requires flexibility including nights, weekends, and holidays, with a physically demanding environment and work at two California campus locations, emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and high service responsiveness.
Company information
The Culinary Institute of America is a renowned culinary education institution with campuses in California, offering high standards in culinary arts and event management.
Job location and travel
Work is based at the CIA California Campus locations in Copia, Napa, CA and Greystone, St. Helena, CA, requiring physical presence and ability to work flexible hours.
Unique job features
The job involves leading culinary demonstrations and hands-on events, managing large-scale events up to 1,500 guests, and requires proficiency in diverse cuisines including Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, American, and Latin American.
Company overview
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a premier culinary college that offers degree programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and food business management. They generate revenue through tuition fees, professional development programs, and their on-campus restaurants and cafes, which are open to the public. Founded in 1946, CIA has a rich history of shaping culinary education and has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. The institute is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and influential alumni network in the culinary industry.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your expertise in planning and executing large-scale special events, emphasizing your ability to coordinate multiple culinary teams and manage food production with precision.
Focus on showcasing your leadership skills, including staff training, team building, and managing fluctuating labor needs, as well as your advanced cooking, plating, and butchery skills aligned with fine-dining banquet standards.
Apply through multiple platforms such as The Culinary Institute of America's official careers page, LinkedIn, and specialized culinary job boards to maximize your application reach.
Connect on LinkedIn with current Special Events or Food & Beverage department members at The Culinary Institute of America; use ice breakers like commenting on recent events hosted by the CIA or asking about their favorite seasonal menu trends to start conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'special events culinary management,' 'food production coordination,' 'culinary demonstrations,' 'seasonal menu planning,' and 'team leadership' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
Utilize Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, find multiple application channels, identify LinkedIn contacts for networking, and optimize your resume for ATS, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and refining your culinary skills.
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