Sous Chef University Portland

Compass Group•Portland, OR

2d•$65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Bon Appetit Management Company is a contract foodservice restaurant company that emphasizes creative, fresh food and outstanding service. Its chefs are encouraged to follow culinary trends and develop their own food concepts rather than rely on standardized recipes. The Sous Chef is a key member of the culinary leadership team, supporting a high-volume foodservice operation in partnership with the Executive Chef. This hands-on role oversees daily kitchen operations, helps lead and develop culinary team members, maintains food quality and safety standards, and supports operational excellence. Responsibilities include menu development, inventory and cost management, and independently executing catering events while delivering high-quality food and service.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role.
Experience in high-volume restaurants, hospitality, corporate dining, catering, or related foodservice environments.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams in fast-paced operations.
Strong knowledge of food production, culinary techniques, menu execution, and quality assurance.
Experience creating menu specials, seasonal offerings, and innovative food concepts.
Understanding of inventory management, purchasing, receiving, food cost controls, and waste reduction.
Ability to cost menu items accurately and develop pricing that supports food cost targets.
Experience managing catering events and coordinating food production across multiple service channels.
Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and health department regulations.
Ability to manage operational documentation and maintain required production, safety, and sanitation logs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts; equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Assist in leading back-of-house operations and ensure food quality, consistency, presentation, and guest satisfaction standards are met.
Supervise, train, coach, and develop culinary team members in food preparation, cooking techniques, sanitation, safety, and operational practices.
Create and execute weekly menu specials and featured offerings, including bowls, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Conduct daily food tastings to verify flavor, quality, recipes, and presentation.
Forecast, order, receive, and manage inventory while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
Calculate menu item costs and assist with pricing to achieve food cost and profitability targets.
Monitor food and labor expenses and identify efficiencies and cost savings.
Plan, coordinate, and execute catering events with minimal supervision.
Maintain and audit production, sanitation, cleaning, deep-cleaning, temperature, cooling, receiving, and cooking logs.
Ensure compliance with company, client, health department, and food safety regulations.
Lead daily safety meetings and promote safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Ensure team members remain productive and follow safety, sanitation, and professionalism standards.
Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and implementation of culinary programs and initiatives.
Manage production schedules, prep lists, and kitchen workflows.
Lead the culinary team in the Executive Chef's absence during meal periods and special events.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life and accidental death insurance
Disability insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Holiday time off, varying by site and state
Associate Shopping Program
Health and Wellness Programs
Discount Marketplace
Identity Theft Protection
Pet insurance
Commuter benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Paid Parental Leave
Personal Leave
Potential additional paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable laws