Sous Chef - University of Alabama

Sous Chef Position

Our passion is food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

The University of Alabama is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the daily culinary operations of a dynamic and fast-paced campus dining program. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional food quality, ensuring operational excellence, and creating a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will assist in overseeing kitchen operations, supervising culinary team members, supporting menu development, and ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest standards. This is an outstanding opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in a high-volume environment and enjoys mentoring teams while remaining actively involved in day-to-day food production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, food production, and culinary staff performance.
• Supervise, train, and develop hourly culinary associates while promoting a culture of teamwork, safety, and accountability.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of high-quality menu items for residential dining, retail concepts, and special events.
• Support menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal menu enhancements that align with student preferences and operational goals.
• Execute catering and campus events, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product rotation to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
• Support food cost management initiatives and help control labor and operating expenses.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Assist with the implementation of new culinary programs, concepts, and campus dining initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while fostering a positive team culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Progressive culinary experience in high-volume foodservice, college and university dining, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, or catering environments.
• Experience supervising and developing culinary teams.
• Strong background in batch cooking, production cooking, and large-scale food preparation.
• Catering experience and the ability to execute multiple events simultaneously preferred.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends, food presentation, menu development, and student dining preferences.
• Strong understanding of food cost controls, inventory management, and labor management practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other foodservice management systems.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and special campus events as needed.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader who enjoys working in a collaborative campus environment. They are passionate about food, committed to developing team members, and capable of delivering outstanding dining experiences in a high-volume operation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1556057

Bon Appetit

Mehdi Mohammed