Sous Chef

Oak Hammock • Gainesville, FL

16d • Onsite

About The Position

Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an active, yet relaxed, Life Plan Community in Gainesville, Florida. We offer a full continuum of health care, including independent living, assisted living, specialized memory support, skilled nursing, and home care. Our community offers an unprecedented lifestyle of comfort and convenience with a rich array of services and amenities that focus on optimal wellbeing. Imagine a rewarding career helping others. Working at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is rewarding and fun. No matter your title, your days are spent among a community of residents enjoying retirement to the fullest. When you leave after your workday, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and joy since you are part of the community and residents’ lives.

Join Our Culinary Team
Are you a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment? We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef to partner with our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. This leadership role offers the opportunity to mentor a talented team and make a meaningful impact every day.

Sous Chef Position Summary
As Sous Chef, you'll play a key role in the daily success of our culinary operations by:
Partnering with the Dining Director to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
Supervising food production, coordinating daily specials, and providing hands-on support during peak service periods.
Leading, coaching, training, and motivating back-of-house team members to maintain high standards of performance and teamwork.
Assisting with menu planning and development, including seasonal offerings, daily and weekly specials, catered events, holiday celebrations, and resident dining experiences.
Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
Monitoring food quality, portion control, inventory, and food costs to support efficient and cost-effective operations.
Assisting with purchasing, ordering, inventory management, and food preparation.
Conducting pre- and post-shift kitchen walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, organization, proper station setup, and inventory readiness.
Assuming leadership of all culinary operations in the Executive Chef's absence.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to successfully complete a Level II Background Check and pre-employment drug screening.

Nice To Haves

• Formal culinary education from an accredited culinary school and/or American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification preferred.
• Three to four years of leadership experience as a Sous Chef or Executive Chef preferred; senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or upscale dining experience is highly valued.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for creating high-quality, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.
• Genuine compassion and enjoyment in serving and interacting with older adults from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Partnering with the Dining Director to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Supervising food production, coordinating daily specials, and providing hands-on support during peak service periods.
• Leading, coaching, training, and motivating back-of-house team members to maintain high standards of performance and teamwork.
• Assisting with menu planning and development, including seasonal offerings, daily and weekly specials, catered events, holiday celebrations, and resident dining experiences.
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitoring food quality, portion control, inventory, and food costs to support efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Assisting with purchasing, ordering, inventory management, and food preparation.
• Conducting pre- and post-shift kitchen walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, organization, proper station setup, and inventory readiness.
• Assuming leadership of all culinary operations in the Executive Chef's absence.

Benefits

• University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the Gator One UF ID Card
• OH, I CAN! Scholarship and Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Pay Every Other Week
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• 401K Retirement and Investing Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off Accrual
• 6 Paid Holidays and 1 Additional Floating Holiday
• TicketsatWork Benefit Program

What This Job Offers

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