Executive Banquet Chef

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Executive Banquet Chef

Aspen Meadows Resort – Salamander Hotels & Resorts

 Aspen, Colorado

Position Overview

The Executive Banquet Chef is a senior culinary leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of banquet operations at Aspen Meadows Resort. This position plays a key role in shaping memorable dining experiences for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. In addition to leading banquet functions, the Executive Banquet Chef supports the resort’s broader culinary vision and acts on behalf of the Executive Chef in their absence, ensuring continuity across all kitchen operations.

Key Responsibilities

Banquet Culinary Leadership

• Direct the planning, preparation, and execution of all banquet events, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, timing, and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage Operations to design innovative, seasonal menus that reflect the resort’s unique identity and clientele.
• Lead culinary execution for weddings, galas, VIP gatherings, and conferences, with attention to dietary needs, allergens, and personalized requests.

Multi-Outlet Operational Support

• Assist in managing culinary operations across all resort outlets, including in-room dining, seasonal venues, and special events, maintaining consistency in quality and service.
• Oversee daily prep and production schedules across teams, especially during peak periods or complex multi-event days.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Hire, train, and supervise banquet kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Mentor team members with ongoing coaching, skill development, and performance evaluations.
• Lead cross-training initiatives to ensure a versatile and high-performing culinary team.
• Schedule team according to business needs
• Assist in budget and monthly forecast process 
• Attend weekly labor meetings
• Communicate to teams through daily pre-shift meetings
• Attend all manager meetings and communicate information gathered in those meetings

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Manage food and labor costs, inventory, procurement, and portion controls within budgetary goals.
• Enforce food safety protocols, including HACCP standards, and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain culinary standards and uphold cleanliness and organization in all back-of-house areas.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Event Services, and Conference Services to align kitchen logistics with event requirements.
• Actively participate in BEO meetings, ensuring timely communication of culinary needs and staffing plans.
• Serve as the primary culinary point of contact during banquet functions, ensuring smooth coordination between kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Guest Experience & Culinary Innovation

• Maintain a visible presence during key events to oversee food quality and engage with guests as needed.
• Proactively address and resolve guest concerns with professionalism and urgency.
• Contribute to ongoing culinary innovation, including sustainable practices, menu development, and refined presentation techniques aligned with Aspen Meadows' brand vision.

Financial & Operational Acumen

• Oversee banquet kitchen budgets, controlling food and labor costs to meet financial targets.
• Monitor profit margins, waste, portion control, and purchasing strategies to optimize culinary profitability.
• Collaborate with finance and procurement teams on monthly forecasts, budgeting, and variance analysis.
• Track and analyze banquet P&L performance, providing recommendations to improve cost efficiency and revenue generation.
• Leverage inventory and ordering systems to streamline procurement and reduce excess.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 2 years in a senior banquet or multi-outlet leadership role within a luxury resort, hotel, or high-volume catering setting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience in fine dining and large-format production.
• Demonstrated expertise in cost control, kitchen operations, staffing, and contemporary culinary trends.
• Proficiency with food safety systems, inventory software, and Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions

• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event and resort schedules.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

About Aspen Meadows Resort

Situated on 40 serene acres in Aspen’s West End, Aspen Meadows Resort is a Bauhaus-inspired property that blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and elevated hospitality. Managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the resort is recognized for its commitment to excellence, artistic expression, and sustainability. The culinary program embodies these values through modern, seasonal menus and thoughtful execution across all dining experiences.

Benefits for full-time employees include but are not limited to the following with an employee contribution: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-term Disability, and Long-term Disability after 90 days of employment. Employer-provided Basic Life Insurance and Basic AD&D are provided after 90 days of employment. 401K eligibility is available to full-time employees after 90 days of employment, and part-time employees after working 1000 total hours. Currently, 401K Match is $0.50 on the $1.00 of an employee’s contribution up to 6%; there is a 5-year vesting period. Applications for all positions are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Salamander is a drug-free workplace and participant in E-Verify.