Catering - Sous Chef

SSA Group USA; Powell (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the cultural attraction industry is seeking a passionate Sous Chef to manage culinary operations at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. The role involves ensuring high culinary standards, supervising kitchen staff, and maintaining food safety protocols while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Ideal candidates will have a culinary background, including relevant certifications and a strong commitment to team leadership and guest satisfaction.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision

Supplemental Insurance

Training and Career Development

Tuition Discount through Partnership College

Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Three years of food preparation experience required.
• Culinary training and certification is a must.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in creating high-quality products for events.
• Train and coach kitchen staff to ensure compliance with food safety.
• Implement sanitary practices for food handling and kitchen maintenance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Financial management skills

Education

Culinary training

ServSafe or Food Handling Certification

Job description

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell, Ohio, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 4:00 AM

SOUS CHEF

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and de dication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve, de serve it.

Reporting Relationship

The Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef.

Responsibilities

• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Create Competitive quality products.
• Supervise and participate in creating high quality products for events and food service locations.
• Assist in menu pricing and preparation.
• Estimate food consumption for events and request necessary products.
• Demonstrate new cooking techniques.
• Train, coach, counsel, and resolve problems.
• Comply with all food safety regulations and practices.
• Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.
• Support management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
• Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of product.
• Manage employees in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Incorporate sustainable resources into the culinary selections.
• Perform specialty projects as assigned by the Executive Chef.
• Respond to guest requests and take action to ensure client satisfaction.
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
• Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
• Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
• Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

• Three years food preparation experience.
• ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
• Knowledge of HAACP
• Culinary training, must be 18 or older.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly, Non-Exempt. Pay is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education
• Paid Time Off
• Medical | Dental | Vision
• Supplemental Insurance
• Training and Career Development
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College
• Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").

San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" documentfor more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell, Ohio, United States of America