Sous Chef

Westtown School•West Chester, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Westtown School seeks an experienced, full-time Sous Chef for its Dining Services Team. The fast-paced, whole-ingredient, scratch-cooking kitchen prepares 1,200 meals daily and provides full-service catering and special-event support. The Sous Chef leads daily culinary execution for the Dining Services Program, following established policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The role includes documenting purchasing, inventory, food preparation, and equipment use to support efficient, cost-effective operations. The Sous Chef upholds high standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, menu appeal, variety, and nutritional balance, as well as rigorous sanitation, food safety, and kitchen organization standards. This is a full-time, year-round position. Typical hours combine shifts from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM and 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and weekend work is required. The position is based at Westtown School, an independent Quaker pre-K–12 college-preparatory day and boarding school in suburban West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

A minimum of two years of successful experience as a Sous Chef in an institutional food service or comparable setting.
Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team leader.
Ability to maintain records and complete reports.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Considerable knowledge of quantity food production and serving techniques, and food safety and sanitation requirements and procedures.
Must hold or enroll to complete the Chester County Food Manager Certification.
Must have a valid driver's license to drive school vehicles.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in institutional food service management or a closely related field is preferred.
Two additional years of successful experience as a Sous Chef may substitute for the preferred degree.

Responsibilities

Lead daily culinary execution for the Dining Services Program in accordance with established policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Document purchasing, inventory, food preparation, and equipment use to support efficient and cost-effective operations.
Maintain high standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, menu appeal, variety, and nutritional balance.
Maintain rigorous standards of sanitation, food safety, and kitchen organization.
Deliver friendly, responsive customer service to community members.
Collaborate with the student work program to model and teach best practices in kitchen operations.
Prepare meals efficiently and complete setup and closing duties according to Kitchen Manager guidelines.
Maintain a clean, organized work environment and complete assigned daily and weekly cleaning tasks.
Follow proper food handling, sanitation, and storage procedures.
Promptly communicate maintenance needs and safety concerns to management.
Demonstrate familiarity with school facilities and staff as needed to perform assigned responsibilities.
Immediately report accidents and incidents to the Kitchen Manager.
Work efficiently and cooperatively as part of a team to support kitchen operations.
Pursue ongoing professional development and personal growth.
Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings and required training sessions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.