Sous Chef

Job Description

Job Description

At Keswick , we believe in the power of compassion, collaboration, and community. As a not-for-profit aging services organization with over 140 years of expertise, we’ve built a legacy of trust and excellence in caring for older adults in Baltimore. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to improve the experience of aging, together.

When you join Keswick, you become part of an award-winning team that’s nationally recognized for its dedication and impact. We’re proud to be:

• Top-ranked as High-Performing for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report,  a distinction earned by only 19% of nursing homes nationwide

• Named one of Newsweek’s Best Nursing Homes in Maryland for three consecutive years: 2023, 2024, and 2025

Our employees are the heart of our success. Their commitment to excellence and care has made Keswick a standout in the field and we’re looking for passionate individuals to help us continue that tradition.

Why Choose Keswick?

We offer more than just a job, we offer a supportive, mission-driven environment where your work truly matters. Our comprehensive benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage with low deductibles and copays

• Free short- and long-term disability insurance

• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance for full-time employees

• 401(k) with up to 6% employer match

• Generous paid time off with vacation cash-out options

• Discounted MTA bus passes

• 24/7 access to Teladoc physicians

• Free  wellness programs like Zumba and Pilates

• Employee Assistance and Recognition Programs

By joining us, you’re becoming part of a community rooted in our core values of Connection, Empathy, Inclusion, and  Advocacy , values that guide the way we serve, support one another, and grow as a team.

At Keswick, we believe in building genuine connections with our residents, with their families, and with each other. You’ll be joining a team that collaborates, communicates, and celebrates shared purpose.

We lead with empathy, understanding that compassion strengthens every interaction. Your unique perspective and experiences are essential to creating a place where people feel heard and valued.

Our commitment to inclusion means ensuring that every team member feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute. We recognize that the best care and the best ideas come from diverse voices working together.

And through advocacy, we champion the well-being, dignity, and independence of those we serve. Every role at Keswick plays a part in uplifting our mission.

Most importantly, at Keswick we embrace the belief that we are all aging, all the time, together . Whether we are supporting residents, partnering with families, or growing professionally side by side, we honor the journey of aging as a shared human experience.

If you're ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and be recognized for it, Keswick is the place for you.

About the Role:

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Chef to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the kitchen. This position is responsible for assisting in menu development, overseeing food preparation, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. The Sous Chef will lead kitchen staff during service, ensuring that all dishes meet the quality and presentation standards expected in fine dining establishments. Additionally, this role involves managing inventory, coordinating with suppliers, and contributing to the continuous improvement of kitchen processes. Ultimately, the Sous Chef helps create an exceptional dining experience by combining culinary expertise with strong leadership and organizational skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a fine dining or upscale restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine and menu planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in food preparation, recipe development, and kitchen management.
• Familiarity with hygiene and food safety regulations applicable in the United States.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse kitchen team under high-pressure conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or certification from an accredited institution.
• Experience working directly under an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume kitchen.
• Proficiency in inventory management software and kitchen operations technology.
• Additional training or certification in food safety and sanitation.
• Multilingual skills, particularly in Italian, to enhance communication within the kitchen and with suppliers.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Chef in planning and developing menus that reflect creativity and seasonal availability, with a focus on Italian cuisine.
• Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure consistency and quality.
• Manage kitchen staff schedules, training, and performance to maintain a motivated and efficient team.
• Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and sanitation standards in compliance with health regulations.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies as needed, and minimize waste to optimize kitchen efficiency and cost control.

Skills:

The required skills such as menu development, recipe creation, and food preparation are essential for daily kitchen operations, ensuring that dishes meet the restaurant's fine dining standards. Knowledge of Italian cuisine allows the Sous Chef to maintain authenticity and creativity in menu offerings. Leadership skills are applied to manage and train kitchen staff effectively, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment. Hygiene and food safety expertise are critical to maintaining compliance with health regulations and ensuring customer safety. Preferred skills like experience with kitchen management software and additional certifications enhance operational efficiency and support continuous professional growth.