Sous Chef

ISS•Wilmington, DE

25d•$24 - $25

About The Position

The Sous Chef assists with the overall success of the food program, adhering to the client’s culture and guidelines, OSHA and Health Department regulations, and Guckenheimer food quality standards. The role oversees daily operational tasks, menu and recipe execution, production sheets and pars, food purchasing, sanitation, and safety. The Sous Chef also motivates, trains, develops, and directs employees to meet operational objectives. The position works with the Executive Chef and management team to support food service, catering, staffing, customer service, retail café operations, and financial goals. It requires following applicable food safety, HACCP, workplace safety, and company procedures, while maintaining high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and sustainability. Responsibilities may vary according to account and client needs, and additional duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Ability to work Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; schedules may vary based on business needs and overtime may be required.
Ability to work under pressure and meet time deadlines during peak periods.
Ability to stand for long periods, up to 8–10 hours.
Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push, and pull, and frequently lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to use team lifts, transportation carts, or other assistance when handling heavy loads.
Ability to comply with the dress code and wear the required uniform.
Successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug and/or alcohol screening may be required.

Responsibilities

Communicate daily with the Executive Chef to coordinate catering needs and ordering.
Provide service in accordance with ISS/Guckenheimer and client standards.
Follow applicable federal, state, and local food preparation procedures and regulations.
Assist the Executive Chef with administrative duties, including attendance, human resources, and other assigned timelines.
Monitor and review HACCP logs.
Assemble ready-to-eat menu items according to recipes and standards for presentation, packaging, and labeling.
Clean and sanitize work areas and equipment according to company and regulatory procedures.
Support monthly inventory with the management team.
Notify management about concerns involving product quantities, food or equipment safety, or other matters requiring attention.
Attend meetings and report accidents and injuries promptly.
Communicate with team members about needs and support in other areas as required.
Support other functions or locations as business demands.
Ensure food items, catering requests, and contracts are creative, well prepared, presentable, and cost-effective.
Follow Guckenheimer food standards and purchasing standards, including sustainability commitments.
Coordinate with management to ensure displays, catering, café service, and culinary setups meet account standards.
Ensure kitchen waste is disposed of properly using sustainable methods supported by the client, including winnowing and recycling.
Facilitate weekly staff meetings about upcoming events.
Train and supervise staff; maintain uniform standards; assist with staff reviews, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
Ensure required training for direct hires is completed and documented on time.
Represent the company professionally and courteously in interactions with customers, clients, and employees.
Interact with customers and resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
Communicate honestly, accurately, promptly, and professionally with the client.
Review weekly participation and recommend adjustments when changes may affect food budgets or service levels.
Monitor labor in relation to business forecasts and the budget, and ensure weekly food costs meet budget goals.
Ensure the café meets standards and oversee its daily appearance and upkeep as directed by the client.
Supervise food presentation and maintain fresh, creative décor that reflects the season and food being served.
Edit daily signage for spelling, allergens, and descriptions.
Follow HSEQ policies and procedures, participate in HSEQ training, and report potential hazards or compliance concerns.