Catering Chef

RMT Buffet Catering, recognized as one of the Top 5 Caterers in Essex County, is seeking an experienced and driven Catering Chef to lead kitchen operations out of Irvington, NJ. This full-time, event-based role requires a natural culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional food quality, presentation, and efficient teamwork for unforgettable event experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in high-volume food preparation according to event specifications, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Maintain impeccable client-facing presentation standards for buffet platters, family-style servings, individual plates, and desserts.
• Provide leadership and direction to kitchen staff, enforcing sanitation, food safety, and operational excellence.
• Manage food storage, labeling, and product rotation to comply with strict kitchen safety protocols.
• Create clear, practical reheating and finishing instructions for off-site event execution.
• Conduct accurate inventory counts and uphold cleanliness of cooking equipment, walk-ins, and refrigeration units.
• Implement portion control and waste reduction strategies to optimize kitchen efficiency and cost control.
• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks to meet event demands and schedules.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of proven experience in catering or commercial kitchen management.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate culinary staff effectively.
• Sharp eye for food aesthetics and platter presentation.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen rotation methods.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings based on event schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Handler Certification.
• Experience in catering management and team leadership.
• Advanced skills in food preparation and plate presentation.
• Proven time management capabilities.
• Expertise in sanitation practices.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Maintain clean and usable equipment for cooking staff and serving staff using proper cleaning methods and techniques.
Manage Daily maintenance on floors, work areas, sinks, bathrooms, dining room, cooking equipment. Use cleaning logs.
Put away/Store groceries in their proper location.
Maintain proper sanitation solution ratio to be used on cooking equipment.
DO NOT allow dishes to pile in sink.
Assist in Clearing of Tables when necessary.
Maintain proper appearance when in public view of clients or guests.
Maintain cleanliness of Floors, walls, sinks, dining room spills or mishaps that require immediate cleanups

CATERING CHEF
Prepares all foods for events according to worksheet / menu
Label and date stored food
Properly store all prepped and cooked food items accordingly
Manage cooking staff, proper sanitation practices, product usage/rotation and waste control
Submit reheating instructions for all items where applicable.
Maintain aesthetic quality of all items seen by clients and guests including Buffet table, platters, Pans, family style platters, individual plates, desserts and plates
Maintaining cleanliness of cooking equipment(ovens, stoves, tables) Organized refrigerator – designated locations of raw food, cooked food, vegetation, fruits, preserved sauces, dairy (eggs, cheeses, butter, milk/cream) fresh herbs, breads,
Assist in preparing food items.
Take inventory (Mondays and Thursdays)