Full-Time Prep & Event Chef

Butler's Pantry•St. Louis, MO

About The Position

Creating Awesome Experiences …it’s why we get out of bed in the morning. Kick-Ass Catering …it’s what we do, and what we’ve been doing for more than 50 years. And if we’ve learned one thing during that time, it’s that catering is so much more than providing incredibly tasty food. To be the BEST, we need the BEST, and that means we need teammates who are: Passionate Poised Positive and who Put People First We don’t care who you are or what your area of expertise is. If you have passion and love working with an incredible team, you’ve come to the right place. This is Butler’s Pantry . And we are looking for someone who lives to serve and knows that teamwork is the foundation of success to be our Event Chef/Commissary Production Chef. This is a full-time culinary leadership role responsible for both: 50% Event Execution and Culinary Leadership (Offsite Events) 50% Commissary Production and Event Prep (Main Kitchen) This position owns the integrity of Butler’s Pantry cuisine from prep through final plate. Through consistency, attention to detail, and strong leadership, this Chef sets the tone for culinary excellence both in our commissary and onsite at events. Your COMMITMENT to us:

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of relevant culinary experience (catering preferred)
Strong knife skills and familiarity with sauté, sear, emulsification, and other core culinary techniques
Ability to execute and follow recipes precisely
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make independent decisions
Ability to interact with people with ease using highly developed interpersonal skills
Professional appearance and conduct
Ability to handle a physically demanding role (standing for long periods, lifting heavy loads)
Ability to work a flexible and sometimes non-traditional schedule based on event demands
Team-oriented mindset with leadership capability

Nice To Haves

ServSafe Certification appreciated

Responsibilities

RUN THE SHOW (Event Execution – 50%) Oversee preparation and presentation of cuisine per Butler’s Pantry standards
Execute all required tasks according to the event BEO
Lead and direct the onsite culinary team
Enforce the guarantee of fresh, high-quality food product in all situations
Supervise and ensure the highest standards of food safety and handling practices
Ensure supplies are stocked, cleaned, and properly stored
Problem-solve in real time with professionalism and composure
Actively participate in service and quality control
Maintain professional appearance and conduct at all times
Work with on-site Service Captain to ensure smooth event execution and full team collaboration
Attend monthly Service Leader Meetings to stay informed with changes and collaborate with other event leaders
COMMISSARY PRODUCTION – 50% Arrive at your station ready to work at scheduled time and in proper uniform
Complete prep lists efficiently and accurately
Work at a brisk, steady pace while maintaining high standards
Demonstrate full recipe knowledge when prepping or assisting with production
Use scales, measuring spoons, recipe cards, and perform portion control tests
Maintain strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards
Clean as you go and maintain kitchen equipment in “like new” condition
Chop, dice, measure, read prep lists, and execute recipes precisely
Assist with packing, organization, and event loading as needed
Support collaborative “all hands-on deck” dates as business demands
LEAD BY ACTION & BY EXAMPLE (The stuff that makes an impact)
Be a MIBE (Make It Better Everyday) Leader
Model appropriate behavior and encourage team members to follow suit
Support a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates top-quality culinary and service staff
Mentor and develop on-site team members in culinary technique and execution
Willingly assist or lead team members as needed
Contribute to continuous improvement in systems, organization, and execution

Benefits

Competitive Compensation
Health & Dental Coverage
Voluntary Vision, Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance Plans
Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans
Employer-Paid Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Immediate access to paid-time off (including new parental leave) that accrues based on tenure
Voluntary Flexible Spending Account & 401K with Employer Match
Flexible Hours (business driven)
Team Bonus Structure
Daily Team Lunch
A dedication to MIBE – Finding ways to Make It Better Everyday
An effort to create true Work/Life Integration for all Team members
Leadership expectations in every position
Regular Employee Appreciation events (Happy Hours, Coffee Trucks, Spirit Days, Donut Parties, Holiday luncheons…)
A focus on creating opportunities for all – team members, community partners & vendors included.