Job Description

About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

The Lead Banquet Chef is responsible for overseeing all operations within their assigned section of the kitchen. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of ingredients and menu items, maintaining high standards of sanitation and food safety, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations. The Lead Banquet Chef is expected to consistently deliver high-quality products in a timely manner, meeting the expectations of the Executive Chef as well as clients and guests while supporting the successful execution of banquet and catered events.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Participates in activities of cooks and other associates engaged in preparing, cooking and serving food. Ensures all food handling, sanitation and customer service standards are met.
• Works closely with the front of the house staff and management to ensure delivery of top quality, consistent, creative and contemporary fare along with traditional country club offerings.
• Take ownership from production to the final delivery of the end product.
• Continually exceeds expectations for both members and guests.
• Ensures proper presentation, Final display and set up, food quality, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures.
• Tracks food use, waste and consumption to requisition or purchase product.
• Receives and inspects product and supplies for quality and quantity to ensure appropriate inventory.
• Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
• Helps the Executive Chef in creating and developing recipes and menus which reflect seasonality and cost containment. Reports to Executive Chef, F&B Manager, Sous Chef.
• Creates luxury for the senses by developing and implementing a fine dining experience in Monty’s River Grille.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as cook in a club environment and/or combination of formal training in culinary arts through a vocational school, community colleges, culinary schools and/or university degree programs in hospitality.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and general workplace safety standards with general knowledge of Health Department requirements.
• (QFO) Quality Food Operator Certification or ServSafe Certification.
• Must be a strong culinarian with a passion for continuous self-improvement and team building.
• Must demonstrate culinary competence across different ethnic and cultural areas.
• Good people skills; excellent communication skills.
• Self-starter who can work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Friendly and welcoming customer service.
Unusual Working Conditions
• Flexibility, ability to work extended or irregular hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Temperature extremes, excessive noise. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. in weight.
• NO CELL PHONES during scheduled work time

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.