Catering Chef

Job description

As the Catering Chef, you will be responsible for the production and output of our catering offerings at our World Campus Conference Center. You will be accountable for IDEXX Catering’s exceptionally high standards regarding culinary quality, order execution, food safety, and overall aesthetics. It is our expectation that you can adapt to the varying demands of the conference center’s order volume, engineer innovative menus from creation to execution, and adhere to the IDEXX Hospitality’s operational excellence practices.

The ideal candidate is motivated, passionate about food, has previous culinary banquet or catering experience, is proficient in efficient kitchen management, and has working knowledge of food preparation methods and trends. Close partnership and effective collaboration with the Catering Supervisor are essential. As a steward of the catering team, you will focus on promoting a positive kitchen culture and environment for a cohesive BOH and FOH support team.

Exceeding customer expectations is one of our guiding principles at IDEXX. Our credibility as a company relies on our ability to deliver quality products to our customers on time and with no disruption to their business. IDEXX’s Worldwide Operations Team works to meet this challenge each day with a global network of distribution hubs and a focus on efficiency, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

What you can expect in this role

• You will collaborate with catering and event planning team members on menu development, consistent order execution, and navigate changes inherent in conference center operations.
• You will manage production times and priorities appropriately to successfully meet strict delivery windows that fluctuate daily.
• You will use excellent customer service skills and professional etiquette to prioritize event host and attendee satisfaction.
• You will follow a comprehensive prep list, discuss priority projects with your supervisor and always find the best use of time throughout the day.
• You will develop, document and follow IDEXX catering recipes using a variety of methods for food preparation .
• You will prepare, cool, appropriately label and store all food products with a sense of urgency and in accordance with ServSafe and IDEXX guidelines.
• Tailor menus to diverse dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options. Must be well-versed in the ‘big nine’ major allergens to ensure the safety of our guests.
• Use proper controls to monitor food cost and waste to meet department goals.
• You will continually seek new ways to improve the quality and efficiency of production in the IDEXX Catering kitchen.
• You will maintain a clean, well-organized workspace throughout the duration of your shift. Always cleaning as you go.
• You will assist/be responsible for the EOD kitchen closure.
• You will value and commit to safety and share concerns immediately with your supervisor or safety champion.
• You will proactively identify and resolve problems quickly.
• You will perform other duties as assigned.

Core work hours

• 5:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Hours fluctuate to business needs. Weekday overtime and weekend prep may be required but are not common.

What you will need to succeed

• Ideally you have 2+ years of direct kitchen experience, preferably in a banquet or catering setting and are ServSafe certified.
• You are passionate about food and have a strong desire to develop your culinary skills and showcase creative menus.
• You can meet the physical demands of the job – prolonged standing and walking, the ability to safely lift or move 50 pounds.
• You are professional, confident, mature, creative, flexible and a highly organized team player with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• You thrive on being detail oriented and organized.
• You are comfortable working independently, delegating, and making decisions during times of ambiguity.
• You can work in a dynamic environment and have the ability to shift priorities and modify focus while multi-tasking.

Hourly rates targeting

• $33.25 / hour
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration
• Health / Dental / Vision benefits from day one
• 5% matching 401k
• On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities
• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and more
• The opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world

Why IDEXX? We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. Every role at IDEXX contributes to enhancing the health and wellbeing of pets, people, and livestock. With over 9,000 global team members, customers in over 175 countries, and a fast-growing industry - we’re always looking for motivated and inspiring people to join us. We offer competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits. You’ll be part of a double-digit growth company in a quickly growing market and we are leading the way forward with innovative products, services, and a strong focus on our customers.

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. #LI-CP1