Sous Chef

Sous Chef

In alignment with Gallaher Signature Living's mission, values, and commitment to exceptional hospitality, the Sous Chef plays a key role in delivering a refined, restaurant-quality dining experience within our boutique active adult living community. This position is responsible for the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance with approved menus, resident preferences, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Title 22.

In the absence of the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef may assume responsibility for overseeing daily culinary operations, ensuring consistency, quality, safety, and compliance at all times. All duties are performed in accordance with Company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, and established standards for food safety, sanitation, and resident well-being.

This is a FT Position. Shifts are WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY (11:00 AM - 7:30 PM).

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold and enhance a distinctive dining experience for residents, families, and guests through exceptional menu execution, food quality, presentation, taste, and service.
• Assist with the planning, preparation, and execution of daily meals, special events, private functions, marketing events, and community celebrations.
• Prepare meals that are flavorful, visually appealing, and nutritionally appropriate, while accommodating resident preferences and special dietary needs as directed.
• Engage with residents to understand individual likes and dislikes, contributing to a personalized and elevated culinary program.
• Prepare, handle, store, and serve food in strict compliance with California Title 22, local health department requirements, ServSafe standards, and Company policies.
• Ensure proper food temperatures, portion control, and safe food-handling practices are followed consistently.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, storage, and service environment at all times.
• Promptly report sanitation concerns, safety hazards, or regulatory issues to the Executive Chef.
• Support the development and implementation of culinary procedures to ensure timely service and operational efficiency.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, and waste reduction to support budgetary and operational goals.
• In the absence of the Executive Chef, provide leadership and oversight of culinary team members, ensuring appropriate supervision and adherence to standards.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and proper storage of food, supplies, and equipment.
• Participate in training culinary staff on proper food receiving, storage, sanitation, and service standards.
• Assist, as requested, with hiring, scheduling, training, supervision, performance evaluation, and coaching of culinary team members.
• Provide input to the Executive Chef regarding performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and staffing needs.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative team environment that reflects the community's hospitality-focused culture.
• Communicate effectively with community leadership, regional teams, and home office partners through professional verbal and written communication.
• Address residents concern with empathy, discretion, and professionalism, escalating issues appropriately.
• Participate in daily stand-up meetings and other required department communications.
• Maintain awareness of each resident as an individual, supporting dignity, respect, and quality of life.
• Ensure a safe environment for residents, team members, and guests by following all safety protocols, including:
• Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP)
• Universal Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogen standards
• Emergency, evacuation, disaster, and elopement procedures
• Report occupational exposures or safety incidents in accordance with Company policy.
• Complete all required training, in-services, certifications, and meetings in compliance with licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional shifts as needed.
• Support community marketing efforts through positive engagement during tours and interactions with prospective residents and families.
• Accurately complete required documentation and report observed or suspected changes in resident condition as appropriate.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Title 22.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to meet operational and resident care needs.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; culinary or food service education strongly preferred.
• Minimum of six (6) months' experience in a professional kitchen or restaurant environment preferred.
• Experience working in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare food service is a plus.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn assisted living and dementia care principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and patiently with older adults, including those with cognitive impairment.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Proficient in basic computer applications (MS Office preferred) and standard office equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Successful completion of criminal background check and health screenings as required by law.
• Compliance with vaccination or approved exemption requirements in accordance with applicable regulations.

About Us

Gallaher Signature Living is redefining what it means to age well. Rooted in a legacy of compassion, elegance, and excellence, our communities go beyond traditional senior livingoffering personalized experiences that enrich daily life and foster meaningful connections. As we continue to grow across California, we are building a team of forward-thinking professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of senior living.

Our support office is located in Windsor, California, and we currently operate residential communities in Santa Rosa, Alameda, Moorpark, and Covina. Our communities support active adults through Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, delivering high-quality services in thoughtfully designed environments.

Benefit Offerings

• Full-Time Team Members
• Medical (PPO and HSA), dental, and vision insurance options (fulltime only)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) (fulltime only)
• Life insurance (fulltime only)
• 401(k) plan with safe harbor employer match
• Paid vacation and sick time for hourly team members; PTO plan for exempt team members
• Hourly staff members receive paid time off for their anniversary and birthday
• Paid holidays
• Paid bereavement
• Paid jury duty
• Complimentary meals for day-shift property employees from our award-winning dining programs
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
• Extensive employer provided training for staff members at all levels

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

GSL is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. We want to have the best available people in every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), religion (including religious dress and religious grooming), marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, and legally protected medical condition or information, genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military or veteran status, domestic partner status, hairstyles or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, compensation, benefits, transfer, promotion, leave of absence, termination, layoff, and recall. GSL is committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all people involved in the operations of GSL and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of GSL, including supervisors and coworkers.