Campus Dining Sous Chef — Lead High-Volume Team

Compass Group USA; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

The University of Alabama is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the daily culinary operations of a dynamic and fast-paced campus dining program. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional food quality, ensuring operational excellence, and creating a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will supervise culinary staff, support menu development, and ensure food is prepared to the

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Progressive culinary experience in high-volume foodservice, college and university dining, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, or catering environments.
• Experience supervising and developing culinary teams.
• Strong background in batch cooking, production cooking, and large-scale food preparation.
• Catering experience and the ability to execute multiple events simultaneously preferred.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends, food presentation, menu development, and student dining preferences.
• Strong understanding of food cost controls, inventory management, and labor management practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other foodservice management systems.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and special campus events as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, food production, and culinary staff performance.
• Supervise, train, and develop hourly culinary associates while promoting a culture of teamwork, safety, and accountability.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of high-quality menu items for residential dining, retail concepts, and special events.
• Support menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal menu enhancements that align with student preferences and operational goals.
• Execute catering and campus events, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product rotation to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
• Support food cost management initiatives and help control labor and operating expenses.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Assist with the implementation of new culinary programs, concepts, and campus dining initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while fostering a positive team culture.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Communication

Problem solving

Batch cooking

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The University of Alabama is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the daily culinary operations of a dynamic and fast-paced campus dining program. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional food quality, ensuring operational excellence, and creating a positive dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will supervise culinary staff, support menu development, and ensure food is prepared to the