Executive Sous Chef

Sodexo; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Sodexo Live! is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for a premium airport lounge at SAN. You will lead culinary operations, standardize processes, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver exceptional experiences for guests.

The role emphasizes menu design, client collaboration, and ensuring food safety and quality in a fast-paced environment. Applicants should have extensive culinary leadership, strong organizational skills, and experience with high-volume operations.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-volume, fast-paced kitchens.
• Advanced menu planning and trend awareness.
• Strong problem-solving and process-implementation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of streamlined culinary systems to boost consistency and operations.
• Mentor and develop a dedicated kitchen team.
• Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost-effective sourcing.
• Design menus balancing creativity with client preferences and nutrition standards.
• Build strong client relationships and contribute to culinary strategy and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Menu planning

Problem solving

HACCP & Food safety

Computer skills

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Sodexo Live! is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for a premium airport lounge located at San Diego International Airport (SAN). We are seeking a culinary manager with a background in food and beverage within an upscale dining environment.Venues and events create exceptional moments and lasting memories. Sodexo Live! delivers hospitality services at airports, stadiums, arenas, convention centers, zoos, museums, and more—helping create unforgettable experiences for guests.About the jobTake on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.Pay Range: $67405 per year - $87230 per yearWhat’s in it for youLead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.What you’ll bringExtensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.RequirementsEducation Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experienceManagement Experience: 1-3 yearsRelated Experience: 1-3 yearsWhat we offerCompensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs401(k) Plan with Matching ContributionsPaid Time Off and Company HolidaysCareer Growth Opportunities and Tuition ReimbursementMore extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.Who we areAt Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.