BANQUET CHEF
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville Position Type: Full-Time | Culinary Leadership Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage Location: Nashville, Tennessee
ABOUT THE JOSEPH
The Joseph is an expression of modern luxury rooted in art, culture, and the warmth of true hospitality. Situated in the heart of Nashville, it offers a refined escape where thoughtful design, world-class culinary experiences, and meaningful service come together effortlessly. The Joseph invites guests into a world that feels both elevated and deeply personal. From curated art collections and immersive dining to serene guestrooms and intimate gathering spaces, every detail is designed to create an experience of Nashville at its most refined.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Joseph is seeking a talented, creative, and passionate Banquet Chef to lead our banquet culinary operations and deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests. As Banquet Chef, you will oversee the planning, preparation, presentation, and execution of culinary offerings for weddings, corporate meetings, elegant receptions, private dining experiences, and luxury social events. You will play a vital role in ensuring that every dish reflects the exceptional quality, artistry, and attention to detail that define The Joseph. The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader who combines technical expertise, creativity, and operational excellence with a genuine passion for hospitality. This individual thrives in a fast-paced luxury hotel environment, inspires culinary teams, and consistently delivers outstanding food quality and presentation while maintaining Forbes Travel Guide and Marriott Luxury Collection standards. Working closely with the Executive Chef, Culinary leadership, Catering, and Banquet teams, the Banquet Chef will ensure that every event provides an extraordinary culinary experience worthy of The Joseph.
YOUR ROLE
Culinary Operations & Event Execution
- Oversee daily banquet kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and timely execution.
- Lead culinary preparation and service for weddings, corporate functions, conferences, receptions, galas, private dinners, and special events.
- Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure accurate planning, preparation, staffing, and execution of all culinary requirements.
- Coordinate with the Executive Chef, Catering, Event Planning, and Banquet teams to ensure seamless event execution.
- Supervise all aspects of banquet food production, including preparation, cooking, plating, presentation, and service.
- Ensure all dishes meet established recipes, portion standards, presentation guidelines, and luxury culinary expectations.
- Manage simultaneous events while maintaining exceptional quality, organization, and attention to detail.
- Oversee banquet kitchen setup, production timelines, and breakdown to ensure efficient operations.
- Accommodate dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special guest requests with creativity, precision, and care.
Culinary Creativity & Menu Development
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop innovative, seasonal, and memorable banquet menus.
- Contribute creative ideas that highlight premium ingredients, refined culinary techniques, and thoughtful presentation.
- Ensure banquet menus reflect The Joseph's sophisticated culinary identity and commitment to exceptional dining.
- Assist with menu tastings, special event presentations, and customized culinary experiences.
- Maintain consistency in flavor, quality, portioning, and presentation across events of varying sizes.
- Identify opportunities to enhance banquet offerings through seasonal ingredients, current culinary trends, and innovative techniques.
- Support the creation of memorable guest experiences through exceptional food and artistic presentation.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, train, coach, and supervise banquet culinary team members, including cooks and other kitchen personnel.
- Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture built on teamwork, accountability, respect, and excellence.
- Provide hands-on leadership during food preparation and event execution.
- Conduct daily culinary briefings to communicate event details, production schedules, special requests, and quality expectations.
- Assist with scheduling, staffing, training, and performance management of banquet culinary team members.
- Develop team members through ongoing coaching, technical training, and professional development.
- Partner with Culinary leadership and People & Culture to support recruiting, onboarding, and team member engagement.
- Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, composure, and a commitment to culinary excellence.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience, including banquet or high-volume event production.
- At least 2 years of culinary supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
- Previous experience in a luxury hotel, upscale resort, fine-dining restaurant, or high-end catering operation strongly preferred.
- Marriott Luxury Collection or Forbes Travel Guide-rated hotel experience is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of banquet production, large-scale food preparation, plated service, buffets, action stations, and specialty events.
- Demonstrated culinary creativity, technical expertise, and exceptional attention to food quality and presentation.
- Experience developing and executing menus for events of varying sizes and complexity.
- Strong understanding of food cost management, inventory control, purchasing, and labor management.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop culinary professionals.
- Excellent organizational, time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple events and production timelines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification preferred, or ability to obtain certification as required.
- Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules and business needs.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, work in a commercial kitchen environment, and perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
WHY JOIN THE JOSEPH? At The Joseph, culinary excellence is more than preparing exceptional food - it is about creating meaningful experiences through artistry, passion, and thoughtful hospitality. Our culinary team plays an essential role in bringing unforgettable moments to life. From intimate celebrations to grand events, every dish is an opportunity to showcase creativity, craftsmanship, and our commitment to excellence. As our Banquet Chef, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented culinary team, collaborate with passionate hospitality professionals, and contribute to the continued success of one of Nashville's premier luxury hotels. We believe in cultivating talent, celebrating individuality, and empowering our leaders to make a lasting impact. If you are passionate about culinary innovation, inspired by exceptional hospitality, and driven to create extraordinary dining experiences, we invite you to bring your talent and creativity to The Joseph. Join us in creating culinary experiences that are thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented, and genuinely unforgettable.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Makeready LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Makeready LLC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process, in accordance with applicable laws. We believe that diversity strengthens our teams, enriches our culture, and enhances the exceptional hospitality experiences we provide to our guests. At The Joseph, we are proud to foster an environment where every team member is respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.