Catering Lead Event Cook

About Rocky Top Catering

Rocky Top Catering is a premier catering company specializing in exceptional food, service, and memorable events. Our team executes events ranging from intimate gatherings of 10 guests to large-scale events serving up to 7,000 people.

The Catering Lead Event Cook plays an important role in bringing our menus to life both in the kitchen and on-site at events. This position is ideal for an experienced cook who is confident working independently, can lead by example, and enjoys the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of catering.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Follow prep lists efficiently, accurately, and according to established timelines.
• Prepare food according to recipes, catering standards, and client specifications.
• Complete event pack-outs and ensure all ingredients, equipment, and menu items are properly prepared and ready for transport.
• Check out each component of the event menu with the Front-of-House Event Manager.
• Properly package and organize food and ingredients for delivery to the event.
• Complete on-site cooking, finishing, plating, garnishing, and other culinary duties as needed.
• Manage the culinary timeline of an event from start to finish, ensuring the menu is executed accurately and on schedule.
• Work closely with Front-of-House Managers to stay on track, accommodate special requests, and adapt to changes throughout the event.
• Assist with event load-in and load-out as directed.
• Produce high-quality food with attention to presentation, taste, and consistency.
• Assist with menu preparation and development when needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and event workspace.
• Label, date, and properly store ingredients and maintain organized food storage areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Ensure kitchen operations remain efficient and meet Rocky Top Catering's quality standards.
• Identify and resolve issues quickly and resourcefully during preparation and events.
• Provide leadership and direction to other kitchen staff when assigned.
• Perform additional kitchen and event-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional cooking experience; catering experience preferred.
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of professional kitchen practices.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Comfortable taking direction while also working independently.
• Ability to delegate tasks and help keep a team on schedule.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to adapt to changing event needs and client requests.
• Commitment to food quality, presentation, safety, and sanitation.
• Interest in current culinary trends and industry best practices.
• Must have a clean driving record and reliable transportation.

Compensation & Schedule

This is a part-time position with the opportunity for full-time hours during our busy seasons.

Busy Seasons:

• August–December
• March–June

Catering schedules may vary based on event needs and may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Additional Notes

This job description is intended to provide a representative overview of the duties and responsibilities associated with the Catering Lead Event Cook position. It is not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of all duties. Employees may be asked to perform additional job-related tasks and responsibilities as needed.