Sous Chef

Sous Chef Position

Great food has the power to bring people together, create comfort, and turn an ordinary day into something special.

We're seeking a talented and dependable Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef and lead daily kitchen operations. This position plays an important role in creating high-quality meals that residents can look forward to while maintaining consistency, presentation, and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who takes pride in their work, supports their team, and stays calm and organized in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

About The Variel

We believe the later chapters of life deserve to be lived with purpose, comfort, and connection. The Variel is a modern senior living community in the heart of Woodland Hills, built on a simple conviction: exceptional senior living should offer the same warmth, quality, and attention to detail found in a luxury hotel.

Our residents are more than customers, they are our neighbors, friends, and community. Every interaction, experience, and detail matters, from the care we provide to the way we welcome residents and their families each day.

At The Variel, we value genuine hospitality, teamwork, compassion, and accountability. We treat each other the way we wish to be treated in return, and we are committed to creating an environment where our residents and our team members can thrive.

About the location

Set at 6233 Variel Avenue in the Warner Center district of Woodland Hills, The Variel offers a vibrant setting surrounded by shopping, dining, entertainment, and the best of the West San Fernando Valley. With Westfield Topanga, local farmers markets, parks, and everyday conveniences just minutes away, our community provides residents with a comfortable and connected lifestyle. Designed with modern living in mind, The Variel combines thoughtful amenities, inviting spaces, and exceptional service to create an environment that feels welcoming, sophisticated, and distinctly like home.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef with the daily operation of the kitchen and dining services, including menu preparation, food production, service, and kitchen organization. This position provides hands-on leadership to kitchen team members, helps coordinate daily assignments, and ensures food is prepared and presented according to established recipes and quality standards.

The Sous Chef works closely with the culinary and dining teams and interacts with residents to understand feedback and preferences. This role also helps maintain a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork, cleanliness, safety, and pride in service.

Essential Job Duties

• Support the Executive Chef with daily kitchen and dining operations.
• Assist with menu planning, food preparation, and coordination of daily service.
• Assign duties and provide direction and support to kitchen team members.
• Prepare, portion, and present food according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Ensure food is fresh, properly stored, labeled, rotated, and handled safely.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, sanitation, and food safety.
• Assist with kitchen setup, meal service, cleanup, and proper use and care of equipment.
• Work closely with dining and other departments to support a smooth and positive dining experience.
• Connect with residents and respond to feedback regarding food quality, presentation, temperature, and preferences.
• Identify opportunities to improve food quality, service, and the overall dining experience.
• Promote a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, respect, accountability, and pride in serving others.
• Remain calm, flexible, and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident and community information.
• Complete required training and follow company policies, safety procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.
• Minimum three years of restaurant, senior living, or related cooking experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation, menu presentation, production, and kitchen operations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lead and support a kitchen team.
• Ability to remain organized and calm under pressure.
• Current food safety/sanitation certification required as applicable by state or local requirements.
• Basic computer skills preferred.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, reach, twist, and work with food.
• Ability to safely operate standard kitchen equipment, including ovens, mixers, slicers, grills, ranges, and steam tables.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to push and pull up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
• May be required to work weekends, holidays, evenings, or other shifts based on community needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Variel of Woodland Hills is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, and we prohibit harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to, respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Completing an application does not guarantee that you will be offered a position. We review all applications and strive to hire the candidates who are the most qualified to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.