Lead Sous Chef, Senior Living Kitchen

The Charlotte Assisted Living & Memory Care; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charlotte is seeking a Sous Chef I to lead daily culinary operations, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure high-quality meals for residents in a senior living environment. Strong emphasis on food safety, dietary accommodations, and teamwork is expected.

Ideal candidates will have a 2-year culinary degree (preferred), several years of high-volume kitchen experience, and Safe Serve certification. This role focuses on resident satisfaction, dignity, and quality of life in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED required.
• 2-year culinary degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of food preparation in a high-volume dining venue with at least three years in a supervisory capacity; senior living experience preferred.
• Possess and maintain Safe Serve certification.
• Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and safety protocols and regulations.
• Ability to read, write and follow directions in a recipe.
• Ability to lead and direct the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and support daily culinary operations to ensure efficient preparation, production, and service of meals.
• Supervise and provide direction to cooks and culinary staff, ensuring quality, productivity, and adherence to procedures.
• Prepare hot and cold items with consistent quality and presentation.
• Plan and execute menu production, accommodating dietary requirements and therapeutic diets.
• Ensure all food products meet standards for taste, appearance, temperature, texture, and portion control.
• Conduct routine quality assurance checks by tasting and evaluating foods.
• Maintain food safety practices and complete temperature checks and sanitation records.
• Ensure compliance with storage, labeling, rotation, and disposal regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe kitchen environment and monitor cleaning schedules.
• Assist with inventory management, waste reduction, and proper storage practices.
• Foster collaboration between back-of-house and front-of-house teams and with residents and vendors.
• Support onboarding, coaching, training, and development to boost engagement and retention.
• Demonstrate emergency preparedness and participate in safety procedures and drills.
• Attend departmental meetings and required trainings; promote resident-centered dining experiences.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Food preparation

Food safety training

Recipe reading/following

Leadership

Communication with BOH/FOH

Education

High school diploma or GED

2-year culinary degree preferred

Job description

The Charlotte is seeking a Sous Chef I to lead daily culinary operations, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure high-quality meals for residents in a senior living environment. Strong emphasis on food safety, dietary accommodations, and teamwork is expected.

Ideal candidates will have a 2-year culinary degree (preferred), several years of high-volume kitchen experience, and Safe Serve certification. This role focuses on resident satisfaction, dignity, and quality of life in a collaborative setting.