The position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing quality food preparation and high service levels which contribute to the Society's goals of providing an exceptional guest experience and to the Society's long-term financial sustainability through revenue generation, working with the Executive Sous Chef and other management staff.

Why not consider joining a top-notch catering and culinary team that offers the highest quality of service to guests? Brookfield Zoo offers an unbeatable venue for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others. Whether a picnic at the Pavilions, cocktails with the animals, or a meeting at our premier banquet facility, we strive to create treasured experience that a guest will have forever.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages food preparation, stewarding, and transporting staff and operations to assure productivity and department standards are met.
• Ensures that all food is prepared to standard recipe specification order the Executive Chef's direction.
• Supervises outside caterers.
• Oversees the presentation of all food items, including but not limited to the display of food on buffet tables and at picnic venues.
• Coaches and trains staff, including staff development for growth and expansion in their areas of expertise, in order to improve and streamline production.
• Cross-trains staff for future growth.
• Assists the Executive Sous Chef in training staff.
• Initiates all actions necessary to carry out quality food preparation and presentation as outlined in the Banquet Event Order (BEO) for each event.
• Ensures that sanitation standards are met for food handling, preparation, storage, and equipment handling at all times.
• Maintains and adheres to cleaning schedule on weekly, monthly, an annual basis.
• Participates in monthly inventory process, including taking inventory of all food products and providing inventory counts to the Executive Sous Chef for entry into the Food Track computer system.
• Prepares all food requisitions necessary to complete BEOs and present to the Chef for approval.
• Accurately enters information into the Food Track system.
• Receives and checks all orders for accuracy and ensures proper storage.
• Responsible for managing all china, glass, silver, and all large and small wares within the Banquet Operation.
• Maintains a physical presence at events until all courses have been served and clean-up/leftover storage instructions have been completed or delegated to a responsible subordinate.
• Presents self at all events in a professional manner and in appropriate attire as required.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This position includes the following requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.


• Minimum four years relevant catering, restaurant, or culinary experience required.


• Minimum one year supervisory experience required.


• Proven ability to creatively plan and develop menus required.


• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.


• Food service sanitation certification as required by city,county, and state within 30 days of hire.


• Ability to work independently with little supervision.


• Knowledge of menu concepts, quality food preparation, and production techniques.


• Must be able to communicate in an effective manner.


• Detail-oriented, good organizational skills, and a high level of accuracy required.


• Outstanding customer service skills required. Proven ability to maintain customer satisfaction under pressure or with deadlines.


• Must be able manage multiple tasks and complete and follow through tasks independently.


• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must obtain/possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire.


• This temporary position requires evening and weekend hours.

The desirable or preferred qualifications:

• Completion of at least two years of culinary school preferred.


• Experience in Microsoft Outlook helpful, but not required.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.