Sous Chef

With your leadership excellence, you’re ready to move up to the next level. 

Hourly Pay Rate Range for this role is $24hr. -  $27hr.

Sodexo’s Campus Segment is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team at Traditions at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ. In this role, you will help oversee kitchen operations across various food outlets, including residential dining, retail outlets, a la carte restaurant, and catering services. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food, skilled in kitchen management, and capable of maintaining high standards of quality, presentation, and service.

The position will also involve overseeing a sit-down restaurant with a beer and wine license, a to-go window, and weekly events. The restaurant operates Monday-Friday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and weekends from 9 AM to 6 PM. The restaurant hosts monthly diversity menu offerings and has a small stage area attached to the dining room for events. As Sous Chef, you will work closely with two other Sous Chefs and three front-of-house supervisors to ensure smooth operations, maintain food quality, and lead the team effectively.

• Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations for multiple dining venues, ensuring efficient service and smooth kitchen workflow.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and support to enhance team performance.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring consistency with menu standards and customer expectations.
• Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are met and maintained throughout the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, ordering supplies, and keeping track of stock levels to avoid shortages or waste.
• Contribute to the development of seasonal menus and recipe ideas that align with the college’s dining goals and customer preferences.
• Assist with planning and executing catering events, from small gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Monitor the quality and presentation of dishes to ensure that they meet Sodexo’s high standards.
• Manage kitchen operations during peak periods, adjusting workflow to maintain high service quality.
• Collaborate with the management team to control costs and improve operational efficiency.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Core Competencies Needed:

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate situations and make data-driven decisions.
• Diversity Awareness: Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives and backgrounds in the workplace.
• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality service.
• Drive and Dependability: Motivated and reliable, with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
• Stress Tolerance/Flexibility: Ability to remain composed and flexible in high-pressure situations.
• Interpersonal Relations: Strong ability to build positive working relationships with team members and clients.
• Integrity: Demonstrating honesty, professionalism, and ethical behavior in all aspects of work.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication with team members, management, and customers.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in kitchen equipment, culinary techniques, and food safety standards.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar culinary leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work well under pressure.
• A passion for food and innovation, with a customer-focused mindset.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience