Food Service - Sous Chef

SSA Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the culinary sector as a Sous Chef at the Houston Zoo. In this role, you will oversee food quality and guest service, manage kitchen operations, and engage in sustainability efforts. We seek a dedicated individual with significant culinary experience and a passion for team leadership.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Training and Career Development

Tuition Discount

Meal Plan

Qualifications

• Must have 3 years of food preparation experience.
• Capable of standing for extended periods and handling boxes.
• Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a memorable experience for guests by performing SSA EXTRA Guest Service.
• Supervise and create high-quality products for food service.
• Train and coach staff while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Financial management

Flexibility

Education

Culinary training

ServSafe or Food Handling Certification

Job description

Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, June 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Sous Chef

Who are we :

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 anddedication. 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,deserve it.

Position Title: Sous Chef

Reports to: 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.

IDEA + Belonging

• Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units .
• Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels .
• Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
• Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back .

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. SSA Group 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)

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.

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

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.

Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas, United States of America