Executive Sous Chef - Off-Premise Catering Experience Required

Dartcor•Morristown, NJ

12d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Dartcor Hospitality is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to lead culinary operations in a corporate dining environment. This hands-on kitchen leader is responsible for menu development, food quality, operational efficiency, food safety, cost controls, and culinary team leadership. Off-premise catering experience is required, and substantial catering experience is emphasized. The role supports operational and financial performance while delivering high-quality, consistent culinary offerings and a strong guest experience. The Executive Sous Chef leads daily kitchen operations, develops seasonal menus and weekly specials, oversees food preparation and purchasing, manages inventory and food and labor costs, and ensures kitchen readiness, cleanliness, and compliance with food safety standards. The role also recruits, trains, and mentors staff; coordinates with management and service teams; supports catering production and special events; and responds to guest feedback. The schedule requires availability seven days a week, with a five-day work week that may include nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

Minimum 4–6 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 2–4 years in a leadership role.
Catering background with off-premise experience required.
Experience in high-volume, upscale casual, corporate dining, or hospitality environments.
Strong leadership and team development skills, including the ability to motivate and guide a culinary team.
Exceptional culinary knowledge, including modern cooking techniques, global cuisine influences, and seasonal menu development.
Understanding of food-cost management, inventory control, purchasing, and labor planning.
Strong organizational and time-management skills and ability to manage multiple operational priorities.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with management, service teams, and corporate clients.
Deep understanding of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and temperature-control procedures.
ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety certification required or obtainable upon hire.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen while maintaining high culinary standards.
Availability seven days a week for a five-day work week, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure food production meets company quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
Develop and execute seasonal menus and weekly specials aligned with brand standards and guest preferences.
Oversee food preparation to ensure recipes, portion standards, and culinary techniques are followed consistently.
Manage food purchasing and relationships with approved vendors and suppliers.
Monitor weekly and monthly inventory to maintain accurate food-cost and purchasing controls.
Manage food and labor costs while maintaining culinary standards and operational efficiency.
Ensure kitchen stations are prepared, stocked, and organized for daily service.
Conduct kitchen walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, organization, and food safety compliance.
Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations.
Lead preparation for health inspections and ensure corrective actions are implemented when necessary.
Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
Conduct daily pre-shift meetings covering menu specials, catering events, and operational updates.
Set performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback to support team development.
Collaborate with management and service teams to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
Support catering production and special events, maintaining consistent culinary quality across programs.
Monitor guest feedback and adjust menus or operational processes when appropriate.
Participate in required training and perform additional responsibilities as needed to support operational excellence.