Food Service - Sous Chef

SSA Group•Rochester, NY

About The Position

SSA Group is hiring a Sous Chef to help deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for guests and clients. The role supports culinary operations across events and food service locations, with responsibility for preparing high-quality products, assisting with menus and food estimates, training and supervising employees, and maintaining food safety and sanitation standards. The Sous Chef also supports payroll and controllable profit management, oversees product quality and inventory, responds to guest requests, and contributes to sustainable culinary choices and community engagement. The position reports to the Executive Chef and may include other tasks or special projects as assigned. This is a full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime. Work hours may vary and can include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Three years of food preparation experience.
ServSafe or food handling certification.
Knowledge of HAACP.
Culinary training.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clients, the General Manager, and HQ personnel.
Proven leadership skills and an understanding of team building, team development, and fostering partnerships.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to stay organized.
Financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Computer knowledge and skills sufficient for basic office functions.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and move and handle boxes weighing up to 35 pounds, including lifting, to perform the job functions.
Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Responsibilities

Deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client in keeping with 452 Hospitality.
Supervise and participate in producing high-quality products for events and food service locations.
Assist with menu pricing and preparation.
Estimate food consumption for events and request necessary products.
Demonstrate new cooking techniques.
Train, coach, and counsel employees and resolve problems.
Comply with food safety regulations and practices.
Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and dining areas.
Ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations.
Monitor and track cooking and holding temperatures.
Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
Oversee product quality, product levels, and inventory.
Manage employees in accordance with state and federal laws.
Incorporate sustainable resources into culinary selections and demonstrate sustainability and conservation efforts.
Complete specialty projects as assigned by the Executive Chef.
Respond to guest requests and take action to ensure client satisfaction.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
Uphold and demonstrate an understanding of company policies and procedures.
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the Brand team and across units.
Help remove barriers and empower growth and opportunity for team members.
Engage with SSA and the unit in community activities and opportunities to give back.
Perform other tasks as necessary.

Benefits

Paid Time Off plan of up to 144 hours based on tenure.
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and other voluntary benefits for employees and their families; employee premiums apply.
401(k) program with a 15% company match, subject to eligibility requirements.
Up to 120 hours of paid leave for qualifying reasons, including parental leave and serious medical conditions affecting the employee or family.
Up to 40 hours of paid bereavement leave.
On-Demand Pay Program providing access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal plan and employee discounts where applicable.
Tuition discount through a partnership college.
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.