Sous Chef I

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the United States for its commitment to fresh, scratch made menus, local sourcing, and intensely personal service. At the heart of our success is our “Quest Ready” culture, built on integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence.

Being Quest Ready means serving with purpose and care, creating experiences that are nourishing, welcoming, and reliable. This mindset empowers our teams to build lasting relationships and continually raise the standard for great hospitality in every community we serve.

About the Role:

The Sous Chef I plays a critical role in supporting the Head Chef and ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen within a retail trade environment. This position is responsible for assisting in menu planning, food preparation, and maintaining high standards of food quality and safety. The Sous Chef I oversees kitchen staff, coordinates daily kitchen activities, and ensures timely delivery of dishes to meet customer expectations. This role requires a balance of culinary expertise, leadership, and organizational skills to maintain efficiency and consistency in a fast-paced setting. Ultimately, the Sous Chef I contributes to creating an exceptional dining experience that aligns with the company’s brand and customer service goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary degree or certification preferred.
• At least 2 years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in a retail or food service setting.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and proper kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as required by the business.
• Strong communication and organizational skills to manage kitchen operations effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal culinary training or certification from an accredited culinary institution.
• Experience with inventory management and cost control in a retail food environment.
• Leadership experience supervising kitchen teams and coordinating food preparation.
• Familiarity with diverse cuisines and menu development tailored to retail customers.
• Proficiency in using kitchen management software or point-of-sale systems.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head Chef in planning and developing menus that meet customer preferences and dietary requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff activities to ensure efficient food preparation and presentation.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies as needed, and manage kitchen equipment to minimize waste and control costs.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff to develop their culinary skills and promote a collaborative team environment.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Sous Chef I to efficiently manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and safety standards are consistently met. Strong culinary skills are applied in preparing and presenting dishes that satisfy customer expectations and support menu innovation. Leadership and communication skills are essential for supervising kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, and providing effective training. Organizational skills help in managing inventory, controlling costs, and maintaining a clean and orderly kitchen environment. Preferred skills such as experience with kitchen management software and diverse culinary techniques enhance the ability to streamline operations and adapt to evolving customer preferences.