Sous Chef

Position Title: Sous Chef


Location: Kirkland, WA

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:30AM - 3:30PM

Salary: $80,000 - $82,000 / year

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Working as the Sous Chef, you will support the Executive Chef in leading the day-to-day culinary operation and ensuring the consistent execution of high-quality food and service. The ideal candidate is highly organized and systematic, with a proven ability to create structure, establish clear processes, and build a professional, accountable team environment. This individual should be comfortable coordinating multiple priorities, adapting quickly to changing operational needs, and providing clear direction that keeps the culinary team focused and moving forward.

You will assist with menu planning, food preparation and production, ordering, cost controls, catering execution, sanitation, and team development. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, solutions-oriented culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in operational excellence, organization, and team leadership.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Executive Chef to manage the daily culinary operation, ensuring consistent execution, quality, and service standards
• Establish and maintain organized, systematic kitchen processes that promote efficiency, accountability, and clear communication
• Supervise, train, coach, and develop hourly culinary associates while fostering a professional and collaborative team environment
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development, food preparation, production, and presentation
• Coordinate daily kitchen activities, staffing, production schedules, and priorities to ensure operational needs are met
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and provide clear direction to the culinary team during high-volume or time-sensitive operations
• Assist the Executive Chef with food and labor cost controls, inventory management, ordering, and expense management
• Execute catering events and special functions, ensuring proper preparation, staffing, presentation, and service
• Maintain high standards for food quality, sanitation, safety, organization, and cleanliness
• Support the rollout of new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership with the Company's culinary and marketing teams
• Monitor food production and ensure recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines are consistently followed
• Assist with identifying operational challenges and implementing practical solutions to improve efficiency and team performance
• Participate in client satisfaction initiatives and maintain positive relationships with clients and internal partners

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. degree in Culinary Arts or a related field, or equivalent culinary experience
• Progressive culinary and kitchen management experience, with the level of experience commensurate with formal education and training
• Proven ability to organize people, processes, and priorities in a fast-paced culinary environment
• Strong team leadership skills, including the ability to provide clear direction, coach employees, and establish accountability
• Catering and event execution experience preferred
• Experience in high-volume, complex foodservice operations highly desirable
• Institutional, contract foodservice, or batch cooking experience helpful
• Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, foodservice trends, production, presentation, sanitation, and food cost controls
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with associates, clients, and leadership
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs and activities
• ServSafe certification highly desirable

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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:

Associates at Restaurant Associates 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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

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.

Req ID: 1564556

Restaurant Associates


Allison Murphy


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