Sous Chef

Loretto • Town of De Witt, NY

5d • $23 - $25

About The Position

The Sous Chef leads and trains cooking staff to deliver hospitality, service, and satisfaction for community residents and guests. The role oversees kitchen cleanliness and organization, daily menu execution, and the quality and presentation of food and service. The Sous Chef ensures menu items are accurately and efficiently prepared, portioned, and cooked according to standardized recipes, and that health codes and sanitation practices are followed.

The position also coordinates the work of an assigned employee group, communicates and monitors work, provides technical training, supports effective staffing and workflow, and promotes service excellence and collaboration. The Sous Chef may perform the same work as subordinate staff and acts as the primary contact for routine issues in their area.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• 2–4 years of experience in food service.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal health and sanitation regulations.
• Competence in food service and delivery, including portioning, presentation, and temperature control.
• Ability to interact courteously with customers and provide consistent, exemplary service.
• Ability to coach staff in customer service and consistent execution.
• Attention to detail and ability to monitor multiple elements and adjust priorities for food standards, presentation, safety, service, and speed.
• Leadership and management skills to motivate teams, encourage timely service, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to respond quickly, calmly, and appropriately to employee conflict, irate residents, and other sudden issues.
• Ability to communicate standards and directions clearly to staff and communicate with customers from diverse backgrounds, including people with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ability to learn other software programs.

Nice To Haves

• Prior supervisory experience.
• ServeSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards for food, presentation, and service.
• Maintain health codes, including cooler cleanliness, product rotation, and proper labeling.
• Model and coach consistent execution of standardized recipes.
• Assist with daily vendor food orders when the Executive Chef is absent.
• Assist with food execution and presentation in the main kitchen and remote serving kitchenettes.
• Receive and resolve food complaints using patience, active listening, and positive communication.
• Monitor production and par levels to avoid over- or under-production.
• Maintain the appearance, cleanliness, organization, and safety of cooking areas, equipment, and fixtures.
• Complete daily inspections and weekly audits to confirm side work is completed.
• Ensure equipment and storage areas are cleaned and maintained on schedule or as needed.
• Portion ingredients according to recipes; weigh, measure, bag, date, and label portions and prepared items to maintain freshness and quality.
• Monitor ingredient dates to confirm items are within time limitations.
• Prepare menu items according to standardized recipes and temperatures to preserve nutrients and taste.
• Taste and observe food to ensure it meets quality, appearance, and palatability standards.
• Help update and refine policy and procedure manuals for cooking staff.
• Confirm cooking opening and closing procedures are completed each day.
• Support and participate in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Assist with special events, celebrations, and projects, and perform other assignments as required by Dining management.
• Work every other weekend, holidays, and special events as assigned.
• Coordinate assigned employees’ work, communicate instructions, distribute and monitor work, and handle routine issues in the area of responsibility.
• May complete and approve schedules and ensure efficient use of assigned personnel.
• Provide technical training and assistance on new equipment or procedures and help ensure employees have appropriate resources.
• May provide input on employee performance and alert the manager to performance issues.
• Promote service excellence and customer service, and build collaborative relationships through open communication.
• Use communication and critical thinking skills for conflict resolution, problem solving, decision-making, and coaching.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• 401(k) retirement/pension plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free Loretto Health Clinic visits.
• Paid time-off accrual.
• Employee events.
• Free parking at convenient locations.
• Employee coaches to help employees achieve life goals.
• Diaper assistance program.
• Career growth and movement opportunities within 19 sites.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED