A Sous Chef hands on and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Sous chefs fill in as leaders for the head chef, and get involved in preparing food like station chefs when needed.
Des Moines, IA (Relocation Assistance Available) Are you an experienced culinary leader looking for an opportunity to make an impact while enjoying an exceptional work-life balance? We are seeking a highly organized, hands-on Sous Chef to join an innovative, large-scale food service operation in Iowa. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in high-volume production environments and is passionate about leading teams, driving consistency, and delivering exceptional food quality. This role is ideal for someone who is self-motivated, takes ownership, and enjoys building strong teams while working alongside an experienced Director to elevate culinary operations. Schedule & Work-Life Balance Early morning start times Monday through Friday schedule No nights No weekends Paid holidays Relocation assistance available What You'll Do Lead daily high-volume food production operations. Supervise, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a positive and accountable culture. Take ownership of kitchen operations and proactively identify opportunities for improvement. Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards are met every day. Execute production plans while maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards. Partner with the Director on menu execution, labor management, and operational improvements. Maintain organized production schedules, inventory controls, and ordering processes. Support training initiatives and establish best practices across the operation. Assist with scheduling, staffing, and day-to-day kitchen leadership responsibilities. Drive continuous improvement in culinary execution and operational efficiency. What We're Looking For Minimum of 3-5 years of culinary leadership experience as a Sous Chef or similar role. High-volume food production experience is required. A self-starter who works independently, takes initiative, and leads by example. Strong leadership skills with a passion for coaching and developing culinary teams. Exceptional organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities. Strong food safety knowledge and commitment to culinary excellence. Experience with inventory management, ordering, and production planning. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer systems is preferred. Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred. ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire. Ideal Backgrounds Candidates with experience in the following environments are encouraged to apply: Healthcare and hospital food service Senior living dining services Higher education dining programs Large-scale catering and commissary operations Corporate dining services Airline or transportation catering High-volume restaurant or hospitality operations Benefits & Perks Competitive salary Relocation assistance available Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and paid holidays Career growth and advancement opportunities Comprehensive training and development programs Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee discount programs and additional company perks Exceptional Monday-Friday schedule with early morning hours Why Join Us? This is more than a Sous Chef position—it's an opportunity to do meaningful work every day. You'll help prepare fresh, high-quality meals that positively impact the lives of individuals who rely on exceptional nutrition and hospitality. Our team is committed to serving a vulnerable population with dignity, compassion, and culinary excellence. The food we serve matters. Every meal is an opportunity to improve someone's day, support their health and well-being, and provide comfort through fresh, thoughtfully prepared food. If you're looking to step away from nights and weekends without stepping away from great food, strong culinary leadership, and a sense of purpose, this is the opportunity for you.
Pay:
$49,705.77 - $59,860.71 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Food provided Health insurance Paid time off Referral program Relocation assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
