Sous Chef

Compass Group•East Marlborough Township, PA

6d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join the team at 1906, the signature fine dining restaurant at Longwood Gardens. This is an opportunity to be part of a culinary program that celebrates seasonality, innovation, and world-class hospitality in one of the nation's most beautiful and iconic destinations. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef of 1906, the Sous Chef will play a key leadership role in the day-to-day operation of the culinary department, supervising approximately 15-30 associates while remaining actively involved in service and production. The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader who enjoys developing teams, mentoring future talent, collaborating on menu development, and delivering memorable guest experiences. This position offers the opportunity to combine creativity, leadership, and operational excellence within a highly respected Restaurant Associates culinary program.

Requirements

Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
Progressive culinary and kitchen leadership experience in restaurants, hotels, resorts, or complex foodservice environments
Experience supporting high-volume operations with a commitment to quality and hospitality
Knowledge of current food and catering trends, menu development, and culinary techniques
Understanding of food cost controls, inventory management, purchasing, and labor planning
Strong communication, coaching, and team development skills
Comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, email, and related technology

Nice To Haves

Catering, banquet, or special event experience is a plus
ServSafe Certification preferred

Responsibilities

Partner with the Executive Chef to oversee the daily culinary operations of 1906
Supervise, coach, and develop a team of approximately 15-30 culinary associates
Lead by example during service, working on the line while maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation standards
Assist with menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and culinary innovation
Support production kitchen operations and ensure successful execution across all outlets
Assist the Executive Chef with managing food costs, labor expenses, purchasing, and inventory controls
Produce and execute catered events, special functions, and VIP experiences
Implement new culinary programs in collaboration with Restaurant Associates culinary and marketing teams
Foster an inclusive, positive, and high-performing kitchen culture focused on teamwork and continuous learning
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards