The Creek, Culinary Sous Chef

Seneca Gaming Corporation•Buffalo, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Sous Chef is the third in command in the kitchen and is generally responsible for food production. The role ensures that food production workers perform their duties according to the quality standards established by the Executive Chef, and that all work follows Seneca Gaming Corporation policies and procedures, Internal Control Standards, and objectives. The Culinary Sous Chef leads the culinary team and supervises kitchen preparation and food production across stations. The position supports hiring, training, and mentoring; food and labor cost management; scheduling; inventory and ordering; and menu and recipe development in collaboration with the Executive Chef and culinary management team. The role also maintains a safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen, provides prompt and courteous service, and follows company and regulatory policies. Hours are determined by a 24-hour schedule.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old upon employment.
At least four years of experience in a large production kitchen or high-volume food and beverage operation.
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, communication, coaching, team-building, and problem-solving skills.
Strong high-volume cooking and food-presentation skills, precise recipe adherence, and the ability to lead, coach, and motivate a diverse team.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office applications and automated restaurant systems.
Knowledge of best practices for food and labor cost monitoring, menu development, costing, ordering, inventory, food safety, and sanitation.
Ability to obtain a ServSafe and Food Safety Handler Certificate.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively with employees and customers.
Ability to interact effectively with customers and employees and resolve problems or conflicts diplomatically and tactfully.
Ability to stand, walk, and move through all areas of the casino.
Ability to maintain physical stamina and a proper mental attitude under pressure in a fast-paced casino environment.
Ability to handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds and perform moderate physical activity.
Ability to follow basic safety precautions in a work environment involving some exposure to physical risk.

Nice To Haves

A degree from a postsecondary culinary arts training program.

Responsibilities

Report to work on time, well-groomed, in full uniform, and wearing a badge on the upper left side of the uniform.
Provide prompt, friendly, courteous food and beverage service to guests.
Interact hospitably and professionally with guests, coworkers, and management.
Set production levels based on house counts, business forecasts, prior experience, and other relevant factors, and post the menu forecast for kitchen employees.
Supervise kitchen preparation for service at all stations.
Verify that portion sizes, quality standards, department rules, policies, and procedures are maintained.
Lead the culinary team, ensuring production efficiency, proper culinary techniques, recipe adherence, and high-quality food preparation.
Assist with hiring, training, and mentoring team members, and foster a cohesive work environment.
Support food and labor cost management; prepare schedules; oversee inventory control; and manage ordering and receiving.
Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary management team on menu design and recipe development.
Maintain a safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen in compliance with company sanitation regulations and policies.
Train kitchen personnel in safe operation of equipment, utensils, and machinery.
Orient and train kitchen personnel on property and department rules, policies, and procedures.
Train kitchen personnel in food production principles and practices, and maintain menu-item quality and food production standards.
Supervise production of all food items.
Relay guest complaints and compliments to the manager or supervisor on duty.
Understand and comply with information security policies and guidelines, including the Seneca Gaming Corporation Acceptable Use Policy.
Maintain a professional work environment and communicate pleasantly, professionally, and courteously.
Meet attendance guidelines and follow regulatory, departmental, and company policies.
Complete all required SGC training programs within nine months of employment commencement.
Attend necessary meetings.
Perform other duties and meet responsibilities and expectations as they may change; work hours are determined by a 24-hour schedule.