Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

SSA Group, LLC • Milwaukee, WI

4d • $18 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

SSA Group at the Milwaukee County Zoo is seeking an experienced Jr. Sous Chef to join our culinary team. This position is ideal for a culinary professional who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in leading kitchen operations. We are looking for someone who is passionate about food, committed to high standards of quality and safety, and enjoys developing and supporting a team. Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Jr. Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, or other culinary leadership role in a high-volume food service environment is strongly preferred. Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering operations, banquet facilities, or other fast-paced culinary settings is highly valued. The Jr. Sous Chef will assist with overseeing daily kitchen operations, maintaining food quality and consistency, supporting inventory and food safety initiatives, and helping train and mentor culinary team members.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our General Manager and personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships with other branch managers.
• Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates multi-tasking, detail, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• An ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, takes initiative, uses tact and diplomacy.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• 1-2 years experience in culinary

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Jr. Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, or other culinary leadership role in a high-volume food service environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering operations, banquet facilities, or other fast-paced culinary settings is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
• Ensure restaurant/location is adequately prepped and staffed (BOH) for daily operation.
• Oversight of location kitchen duties, ensuring quickservice, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising, and guest service standards are all met and exceeded.
• Oversight of safety logs, including food temperatures, rotation, and waste.
• Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, handwashing, and glove use with staff.
• Responsible for supporting SSAfety training with knife handling skills, ensuring all direct reports display proper use of knives and slicers.
• Creates daily prep and item lists, delegating to employees as necessary.
• Actively helps to support operations and fill holes as necessary to ensure smooth service.
• Maintains a checklist of routine or daily cleaning tasks and ongoing projects or menu planning.
• Assists the Sous Chef in assigning associates to duties, coaching through projects, daily task,s and guest interaction.
• Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with a report to the operations manager to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigated against further occurrence.
• Oversees personnel duties, including but not limited to: Training new employees and issuing performance reviews.
• Actively managing and issuing progressive documentation to coach and counsel the employee on performance, with oversight from the operations manager.
• Reports employee attendance and any hour discrepancies to the payroll department. Oversees break and rest break management for BOH employees.
• Inspects equipment and performs routine maintenance and cleaning as necessary.
• Assists the team to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner by helping complete daily tasks as necessary.
• Communicates with the Sous Chef and Food Service Operations Manager(s) in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
• Works directly with restaurant supervisor(s) to ensure respective locations are operating to standard.
• Remains knowledgeable of and supervises in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave.
• Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed