Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

SSA Group, LLC • Rochester, NY

6d • $18 - $20

About The Position

SSA Group is hiring a Jr Sous Chef to support kitchen operations at a restaurant or food service location. Reporting to the Sous Chef, this role helps prepare and staff the back of house for daily operations, maintain food quality and safety, coordinate daily prep and cleaning, and support smooth guest service. The Jr Sous Chef assists with employee training, coaching, task assignment, and performance documentation, and communicates operational or service issues to the Sous Chef and Food Service Operations Manager(s).

The role also involves maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment; inspecting and cleaning equipment; following applicable laws and company policies; and contributing to inclusive, supportive, and sustainable practices. The position requires culinary experience, leadership and communication skills, physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle boxes weighing 10–35 pounds, and availability for varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of culinary experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with the General Manager and personnel.
• Proven leadership skills and understanding of team building and development, including fostering partnerships with other branch managers.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to stay organized.
• Multitasking, attention to detail, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
• Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Team-player approach; personable, professional, upbeat, and energetic manner; initiative; and tact and diplomacy.
• Computer knowledge and skills for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, move and handle boxes weighing 10–35 pounds, and perform the functions described.
• Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients in keeping with 452 Hospitality.
• Ensure the restaurant or location is adequately prepared and staffed in the back of house for daily operations.
• Oversee kitchen duties and ensure quick-service, food-service, safety, quality, availability, merchandising, and guest-service standards are met and exceeded.
• Oversee safety logs, including food temperatures, rotation, and waste.
• Ensure staff follow uniform, hygiene, handwashing, and glove-use requirements.
• Support SSAfety training in knife handling and ensure direct reports use knives and slicers properly.
• Create daily preparation and item lists, delegating tasks as needed.
• Support operations and fill staffing or task gaps as necessary to maintain smooth service.
• Maintain checklists for routine and daily cleaning, ongoing projects, and menu planning.
• Assist the Sous Chef with assigning duties, coaching associates on projects and daily tasks, and supporting guest interactions.
• Respond to guest and client feedback and report it to the operations manager to help prevent recurring complaints.
• Train new employees and issue performance reviews.
• Manage and issue progressive performance documentation to coach and counsel employees, with oversight from the operations manager.
• Report employee attendance and hour discrepancies to payroll, and oversee break and rest-break management for back-of-house employees.
• Inspect equipment and perform routine maintenance and cleaning as necessary.
• Help ensure daily tasks are completed on time, including by performing the tasks as needed.
• Communicate daily service or quality issues to the Sous Chef and Food Service Operations Manager(s).
• Work with restaurant supervisors to ensure their locations operate to standard.
• Remain knowledgeable of and supervise in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and uphold company policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive approach, remove barriers, and empower team members’ growth and opportunity.
• Lead by example in sustainability and conservation efforts, and provide opportunities to teach unit staff about those efforts.
• Engage with SSA and the unit in community activities and opportunities to give back.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay Program providing access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
• Meal plan and employee discounts at applicable locations.
• Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Tuition discount through a partnership college.
• Up to 8 hours of bereavement leave.
• Holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws, with accrual rules varying by location.

What This Job Offers

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