Sous Chef

Enso Village • Healdsburg, CA

12d

About The Position

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations to provide high-quality, consistent meals for residents, guests, and team members at Enso Village. The role supervises culinary team members, supports menu execution, food safety and sanitation, training, production planning, quality control, and an organized and efficient kitchen. The Sous Chef leads kitchen operations during assigned shifts and in the Executive Chef’s absence, while helping ensure a positive, resident-centered dining experience.

Enso Village is a Zen-inspired senior living community focused on mindful aging, nature, sustainability, contemplative life, and care for adults 60+. It is a collaborative endeavor between Kendal Corporation and the San Francisco Zen Center, guided by principles that emphasize connection, compassion, attentiveness, and meaningful relationships.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of culinary experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and residents, understand and follow work instructions, and comply with workplace safety procedures.
• Ability to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach to access ingredients and equipment in low cabinets, high shelves, or confined spaces.
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to hot and cold temperatures from ovens, grills, and freezers, and warm and humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and utensils with strong manual dexterity and knife skills.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or certificate in Culinary Arts preferred.
• Culinary experience in restaurants, hotels, fine dining, or senior living communities preferred.
• Prior experience supervising kitchen staff preferred.
• ServSafe Food Protection Certification, or ability to obtain it upon hire, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen production and consistent meal service.
• Prepare menu items according to standardized recipes and production schedules using classical and contemporary cooking methods.
• Ensure proper portioning, plating, and presentation before service; taste-test and evaluate food quality, flavor, and presentation.
• Oversee food preparation and timely service across dining venues, ensuring adherence to menu specifications, dietary guidelines, and special requests.
• Assist with food preparation and production as needed, particularly during peak service periods.
• Follow and enforce safe food handling procedures, including HACCP practices and critical control temperatures.
• Maintain food temperature logs, production records, and sanitation documentation.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, utensils, and workspaces are cleaned and sanitized during and after each shift, and maintain compliance with applicable health regulations.
• Supervise kitchen team members during assigned shifts and in the absence of the Executive Chef; provide guidance, coaching, and support.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and mentoring new team members, and help evaluate performance and foster a collaborative kitchen culture.
• Assist with production planning for meal service and events; support FIFO product rotation and collaborate with the Executive Chef and Purchasing Coordinator to maintain product levels.
• Assist with inventory monitoring, waste reduction, and cost-control initiatives.
• Help ensure food quality, presentation, and service meet Enso Village hospitality expectations; respond professionally to resident feedback.
• Assist with special events, catering, and community functions as needed.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently; maintain an organized and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Nourishment team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available starting on the first day of employment for eligible team members.
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Paid annual vacation, sick days, personal days, and holidays.
• Subsidized organic, nutritious meals available daily.
• Opportunities for ongoing career growth and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED