Sous Chef

Sous Chef Horizon Hospitality - 4.8 Lexington, MA Job Details Full-time $30 - $36 an hour 17 hours ago Benefits 401(k) 3% Match Health insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Grilling Industrial fryers Sautéing Food heating Fine dining experience Broiling Kitchen cost control Team management Inventory tracking for food cost management Seafood Commercial freezers Managing kitchen staff Meat cookery Restaurant cost management Advanced knife skills Full Job Description We are seeking a full-time Sous Chef to join our elite culinary team at a prestigious, private life care community in Lexington, MA . Are you a talented culinary professional tired of the grueling, late-night restaurant grind but unwilling to sacrifice your passion for high-end cuisine? Operating much like an affluent, exclusive private club rather than a typical healthcare or corporate facility, our healthy food and labor budgets are dedicated entirely to one goal: exceeding the expectations of our residents. We afford our culinary team absolute autonomy over recipe creation, menu development, and staffing, giving you the complete creative freedom to showcase your talents. The Sous Chef directs food production efforts within our Dining Services department across three distinct dining venues and upscale special events. Working in close conjunction with the Executive Chef, you will supervise the kitchen team, oversee daily operations, and serve as the opening or closing Kitchen Manager. This role requires an individual who can balance high-volume culinary excellence with meticulous inventory tracking, food cost controls, and staff development.

Sous Chef Key Responsibilities:

Culinary Execution:

Oversee and actively produce high-quality stocks from scratch, sauces (basic, reduction, and proper thickening agents), baked goods, proteins, vegetables, and full menus utilizing precise portion control and elegant presentation.

Kitchen Management:

Supervise, train, and coach all production employees; act as Expediter (Expo) as needed or in the Executive Chef's absence; and maintain operations via Culinary Food Production Software.

Inventory & Cost Control:

Assist in menu and recipe development; review menu cycles and project supply needs; execute daily food tracking worksheets accurately; and recommend creative utilization of leftover food to minimize waste.

Safety & Sanitation:

Maintain absolute kitchen cleanliness by overseeing daily and weekly cleaning schedules; manage proper receiving, date-labeling, and organization of walk-in coolers, refrigerators, and freezers; and enforce hygienic food handling techniques.

Sous Chef Qualifications & Technical Skills:

Experience:

A minimum of five years of hands-on experience in fine dining, including at least two to three years of management experience as a Sous Chef or culinary leader.

Education:

An Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent foundational experience (having successfully worked your way up and mastered classical culinary principles).

Technical Mastery:

Advanced knife skills, comprehensive protein fabrication (trimming/portioning beef and seafood; breaking down/deboning poultry), and expertise in various cooking methodologies (sauté, grill, broil, fry, braise, and roast).

Certifications:

Current ServSafe certification, Choke Save certification, and Allergen Awareness training completion (or equivalents).

Operational Traits:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a detailed working knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, and the flexibility to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods, frequently bend, squat, reach, push, or pull, and comfortably lift and assist with objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Compensation:

Hourly Salary:

$30-36/hour 80% paid health insurance 401(k) with 3% match If you are looking to retain your fine-dining creativity while reclaiming your personal life, please apply today! Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Click here to apply online #IND123