Executive Sous Chef

SSA Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to lead culinary operations at a renowned zoo and aquarium. This role involves overseeing kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality food preparation, and implementing sustainable practices. With a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, the ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence and a strong background in leadership. Join a team that values creativity and collaboration, where your contributions will enhance the dining experience for guests while supporting the mission of cultural attractions. This opportunity allows you to thrive in a dynamic environment, making a difference in the community through exceptional culinary service.

Benefits

Flexible Time Off

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability

Training and Career Development

Tuition Discount

Meal Plan & Employee Discounts

$75 Monthly Cell Phone Stipend

Qualifications

• 3-5 years as Junior Sous Chef or similar in high volume settings.
• Strong leadership and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen staff hiring, training, and evaluations.
• Manage food preparation and ensure quality standards.
• Assist in menu planning and cost control.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem-solving Skills

Financial Management

Organizational Skills

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

ServSafe or Food Handling Certification

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

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

Job Description

Posted Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM

SSA Group at Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is looking for a talent Executive Sous Chef to join our team!

Please note that for this position, we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no set deadline for submitting your application. We encourage interested candidates to apply at any time, and we will review applications as they are received. This approach allows us to continuously consider potential candidates and ensures that opportunities remain open until the ideal candidate is found.

EXECUTIVE 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 dedication. 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 deserve it.

Reporting Relationship

The Executive Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef.

Responsibilities

People

1. Interview, hire, evaluate, reward, and progressively coach kitchen personnel as appropriate.
2. Develop culinary training programs for food production employees and serve as a culinary resource to promote quality food services. Ensure safety training(s) are completed with all staff upon hire.
3. Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery, as well as food production principles and practices.
4. Direct and coordinate the work of production and dish room staff as necessary.
5. Maintain communications with Food and Catering Operations teams through weekly meetings and daily conversations to ensure proper menu productions, standards, quality and amount of staff.
6. Maintain a close relationship with the client’s staff to ensure a positive working relationship.
7. Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
8. Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
9. Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Operational Excellence

1. Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
2. Supervise period end inventory for all food and beverage areas.
3. Direct and participate in the daily preparation of standard and gourmet food items. Supervise and participate in the preparation and display of menu items for special functions.
4. Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.
5. Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations.
6. Assist Executive Chef in planning menus based on market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations; design recipes, determine appropriate ingredients and specify individual serving portions for each recipe.
7. Ability to price out menus to offer strategic price increases.
8. Inspect all locations to observe quality of food preparation and service; food appearance; and cleanliness and sanitation of production and service areas, equipment, and employee appearance.
9. Evaluate the quality of raw food and ensure the quality of the finished products.
10. Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.
11. Comply with all food safety regulations and practices. Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
12. Process invoices to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
13. Manage all operational functions of the Culinary aspects within the Unit’s operation.

Growth

1. Assist Executive Chef in controlling food cost through storeroom requisition systems, product storage requirements, standardization recipes and waste control procedures.
2. Help implement systems and processes that help make tasks efficient and strengthen the financial performance of the unit.
3. Support Executive Chef in preparing operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and make appropriate recommendations.
4. Work with Executive Chef on analyzing sales and inventory to maximize opportunities.
5. Help Executive Chef and Operations Team in managing payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc.

Support in scheduling appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast.

1. Support precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget.

Social Responsibility and Culture

1. Support incorporation of sustainable resources into the culinary selections.
2. Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit.
3. Support unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Display knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
4. Support SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.
5. Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Resident Area General Manager and HQ personnel.
2. Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
3. Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
4. Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
5. Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
6. Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
7. 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.
8. Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Previous Experience

1. Three to Five years Junior Sous Chef or like experience in high volume restaurant, country club, catering or cultural attraction venue.
2. Culinary Arts Degree preferred.
3. ServSafe or Food Handling Certified preferred.
4. Knowledge of HAACP.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The People Department 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

1. Salary is based on range in consideration of relevant job experience and certification/education.
2. Flexible Time off – we want our team to take time as they need, so don’t accrue hours but rather give you freedom to schedule within scope of the business and your needs.
3. Medical | Dental | Vision.
4. Supplemental Insurance.
5. Company Paid Short- & Long-Term Disability.
6. Training and Career Development.
7. Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
8. Meal Plan & Employee Discounts.
9. $75 monthly cell phone stipend.

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' document for 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