Executive Chef – Events & Banquets

Position Summary

The Executive Chef – Events & Banquets leads culinary planning, production, and execution for weddings, private celebrations, group functions, and special events at Paws Up Montana. This hands-on leader combines fine-dining craftsmanship with the organizational rigor required for luxury banquet service across multiple venues. The position builds a capable year-round and seasonal culinary team, partners closely with Events and service leadership, and helps prepare the resort’s new event center for operation.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop Sous Chefs, cooks, and seasonal culinary employees; establish clear standards for performance, accountability, and a respectful kitchen culture.

Recruit, onboard, evaluate, and retain culinary talent; develop Sous Chefs capable of independently directing event preparation and service.

Conduct effective production briefings and practical training; document recipes, procedures, and lessons learned to preserve standards between seasons.

Banquet Production & Event Execution

Direct culinary execution for events at Paws Up Montana, including resort locations, and for simultaneous functions as scheduled.

Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and translate menus, guest counts, dietary needs, and service timelines into accurate production, staffing, and equipment plans.

Oversee preparation, staging, transport, finishing, plating, and event breakdown; safeguard food quality, temperature, presentation, and timing across locations.

Anticipate changes and operational risks, make timely production decisions, and coordinate closely with Events leadership and front-of-house teams throughout service.

Menu, Culinary Standards & Guest Experience

Create and execute seasonal, customized banquet menus that reflect Paws Up’s Western character while meeting luxury fine-dining standards.

Maintain consistent recipes, portions, flavor, and presentation, and ensure safe handling of allergens and dietary restrictions, regardless of event size.

Collaborate with Pastry, Beverage, and Events leadership on tastings, specialty menus, and guest requests; represent the culinary program as appropriate.

Staffing, Food Cost & Kitchen Controls

Forecast labor requirements based on the event calendar, prepare schedules, manage coverage and overtime, and recommend seasonal hiring needs.

Oversee ordering, receiving, inventory, portioning, product utilization, and waste; monitor food costs and provide actionable financial and staffing input to the Director of Food & Beverage.

Maintain sanitation, food safety, storage, equipment readiness, and orderly kitchen operations across all production and event locations.

Event Center Readiness & Resort Coordination

Provide operational input on production workflows, equipment placement, storage, pastry coordination, and service logistics for the upcoming event center; support commissioning and training.

Qualifications & Requirements

  Experience: Minimum six years of fine-dining culinary experience, including three years in leadership, preferably in luxury banquets or catering.
  Expertise: Proven ability to execute complex events, manage BEOs, and oversee food costs, purchasing, and production.
  Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop Sous Chefs and manage permanent and seasonal culinary teams.
  Education: Two-year Culinary AOS degree or equivalent training; relevant professional experience accepted.
  Additional Requirements: World-class hospitality knowledge, basic Microsoft Office proficiency, valid driver's license, applicable food-safety certification, and satisfactory background screening.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, reach, bend, and lift for extended periods during shift operations.

• Ability to work in varying kitchen conditions, including exposure to high heat, cold environments, and high-volume operations.

• Ability to safely lift and carry kitchen equipment, supplies, and food items up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• 401K with Employer Match

• Subsidized Housing

• Paid Time Off – 9 Floating Holidays and 15 Personal Days

• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities

• Life Insurance, Long-Term, and Short-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (5 free counseling sessions)

• Referral Bonus Program (Get paid $250 to recruit)

• Carpool Reimbursement ($5-$20/Day)

• Employee Discounts on Merchandise (30% on select items in our retail store)

• Employee Lunch Provided

If you are passionate about hospitality and ready to take on a new challenge at a prestigious resort, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our dynamic team at Paws Up Montana!

Paws Up Montana provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.