Position Title: Banquet Sous Chef
Location: Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard – Dundee Hills, Oregon
Department: Culinary
Position Summary
Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard, a refined estate nestled in the heart of Oregon wine country, is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Banquet Sous Chef to support the execution of exceptional culinary experiences for private events, weddings, and bespoke gatherings.
This role is instrumental in bringing our vineyard-driven, seasonal cuisine to life through elevated banquet and event programming. The Banquet Sous Chef partners closely with the Executive Chef to ensure flawless execution, artistic presentation, and operational excellence—creating memorable moments that reflect the elegance, intimacy, and sense of place that define Black Walnut Inn.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Execution & Event Excellence
* Lead the preparation and execution of all banquet and event culinary offerings, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation standards are upheld at the highest level
* Execute seasonal, wine-driven menus that highlight local ingredients and complement the Black Walnut Inn experience
* Oversee event-day kitchen operations, ensuring timely, organized, and seamless service for weddings, private dinners, and special events
* Maintain strict adherence to recipes, plating standards, and portion controls
Leadership & Team Development
* Supervise, coach, and develop culinary team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence
* Assist in training banquet culinary staff on techniques, standards, and service expectations
* Lead by example in maintaining professionalism, composure, and a solutions-oriented mindset during high-volume events
Operational & Financial Discipline
* Support inventory management, ordering, and cost controls in alignment with budgeted targets
* Minimize waste while maximizing product utilization and quality
* Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards are consistently met
Collaboration & Communication
* Partner closely with Events, Sales, and Front of House teams to ensure alignment on event details, timelines, and guest expectations
* Participate in BEO (Banquet Event Order) review and execution planning
* Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure a cohesive and elevated guest experience
Quality & Standards
* Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment
* Ensure all dishes meet the aesthetic and quality standards of a luxury boutique property
* Uphold the culinary vision and standards established by the Executive Chef and Foley Collection
Qualifications
* 2–4 years of culinary leadership experience, preferably in banquet, event, or luxury hospitality environments
* Strong background in seasonal, farm-to-table, or wine country cuisine preferred
* Proven ability to execute high-end events with precision and consistency
* Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food cost control, and inventory management
* Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification preferred)
* Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, event-driven environment while maintaining attention to detail
* Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs
What Sets You Apart
* A passion for creating memorable culinary experiences tied to place, seasonality, and wine culture
* A refined eye for detail and presentation in elevated event settings
* The ability to balance creativity with operational excellence
* A calm, confident presence in high-pressure, event-driven environments
Additional Information
Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard is part of the Foley Collection, a portfolio of distinctive luxury properties rooted in exceptional hospitality, culinary excellence, and a strong sense of place. Team members are expected to embody these values while contributing to a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Responsibilities may evolve in alignment with business needs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform essential job functions.
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