Executive Sous Chef - Senior Living (Elevated Dining Program)

Job Description

Job Description

REAL Food re-fined.

Executive Sous Chef - Senior Living (Elevated Dining Program) | Location: Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Compensation: $55,000-$60,000 annually + 5% bonus potential | Full-Time

Schedule: Open availability needed.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Executive Sous Chef to turn fresh ideas into unforgettable dining within our Independent Living program—partnering with the Executive Chef to lead the brigade, craft inspired menus, and deliver show‑stopping quality and presentation every service. This role combines culinary leadership with a strong understanding of nutrition, food safety, and hospitality. The Executive Sous Chef will supervise kitchen staff, contribute to menu planning, and help create an unforgettable dining experience.

What You'll Do

• Assist in preparing and executing seasonal menus that reflect resident preferences and nutritional needs.
• Oversee daily back-of-house operations for efficiency and consistency.
• Supervise and support Sous Chefs, line cooks, and prep staff.
• Lead hiring, training, performance management, and staff scheduling.
• Ensure timely execution of menu items and catered events.
• Drive menu planning, recipe development, and standardization.
• Uphold food quality, taste, and presentation standards.
• Incorporate culinary trends and resident feedback into menu innovation.
• Foster a positive kitchen culture and team morale.
• Enforce HACCP and local health regulation compliance.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized kitchen environments.
• Conduct food safety training and monitor handling practices.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Control food and labor costs; reduce waste through smart portioning.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef, front-of-house, and other departments.
• Support planning and execution of special events and large functions.
• Address service issues and implement operational improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality and contribute as a key member of the management team.
• Partner with culinary leadership in kitchen planning, goal-setting, and compliance.
• Step in for the Executive Chef as needed to ensure smooth operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Culinary degree from an accredited program preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of high-volume culinary experience in a professional kitchen, ideally in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality.
• 2–4 years of experience in a sous chef leadership role in hospitality, healthcare, or similar setting.
• Strong culinary skills and experience with a variety of cooking methods (roasting, braising, sautéing, grilling, etc.).
• Ability to manage inventory, costs, and vendor relationships.
• Proficiency in using kitchen equipment and recipe management systems.
• Understanding of mathematics, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Knowledge of nutrition, therapeutic diets, and senior-friendly cuisine.
• Genuine passion for serving older adults and enhancing their quality of life.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods during shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds frequently.
• ServSafe® and State Food Handler Card (if applicable) required.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check (State and Federal) and drug screen.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Paid Holidays

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
• Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships