Executive Sous Chef - SL

Sodexo; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Wellness programs

401(k) with matching

PTO & holidays

Career growth opportunities

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to provide hands-on leadership for a dynamic catering operation at Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE. You’ll oversee menu planning, program execution, and staff development while collaborating with internal partners and clients to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

You will mentor the culinary team, ensure safety and sanitation standards, and drive operational excellence across large events, banquets, conventions, and hospitality

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a high-volume kitchen.
• Strong culinary knowledge across multiple cuisines and techniques.
• Clear, effective communication skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and inventory practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee menu planning, program execution, and staff development.
• Lead kitchen operations and ensure high-quality food and service.
• Coordinate with event managers to align with event timelines.
• Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Uphold safety and sanitation standards and manage costs.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary leadership

High-volume kitchen

Staff development

Menu planning

Food safety

Budget awareness

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

As Executive Sous Chef, you’ll play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional food experiences across a wide range of events. From high-volume banquet service and large conventions to weddings, social celebrations, and specialty events.Located along the Christina River in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, Chase Center on the Riverfront is one of the region’s premier destinations for meetings, conventions, trade shows, weddings, and special events.About the jobJoin a role where your culinary leadership and creativity shape exceptional dining experiences every day. As the Executive Sous Chef, you will provide hands on guidance within a small but dynamic culinary operation—overseeing menu planning, program execution, and staff development. You’ll work closely with both internal partners and external clients, managing the full catering process from initial concept through seamless execution. In this role, you’ll support the Executive Chef in directing all kitchen operations within the convention center, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality food and service. You will lead and mentor the culinary team, uphold safety and sanitation standards, and play a vital part in executing diverse menus for largescale events, banquets, conventions, and hospitality services. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on guest experience while driving operational excellence behind the scenes.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 youContribute to menu creation and customization based on client needs, seasonal ingredients, and dietary requirements.Support high quality- food preparation and presentation for large events.Oversee daily kitchen operations to maintain strong preparation, service, and quality standards.Coordinate with event managers to ensure food service aligns with event timelines.Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and food handling- regulations.Assist with budget oversight, cost control, and waste reduction.Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff to enhance skills and efficiency.Supervise team communication and organization to support smooth operations.Collaborate with other departments to help deliver a seamless guest experience.What you’ll bringExperience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a high-volume- kitchen.Strong culinary knowledge across multiple cuisines and techniques.Leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate staff.Solid organization and time management- abilities.Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple tasks.Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and inventory practices.Clear, effective communication skills.Ability to work safely in tight, noisy, and temperature variable- environments; able to lift up to 50 lbs.Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.RequirementsEducation Requirement: Associate degree or equivalent experienceRelated Experience: 1 yearWhat 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.