Sous Chef

City of Arvada; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support culinary operations at West Woods Golf Club and Lake Arbor Golf Course. You will assist the Executive Chef with kitchen operations, staff supervision, menu development, food quality and safety, inventory, and special events.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, knowledge of food safety standards, and the ability to manage multiple venues in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Progressive culinary leadership in high-volume operations.
• Knowledge of local/state/federal food safety regulations.
• Ability to manage food costs and inventory effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily back-of-house operations for multiple venues.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen staff to high standards.
• Lead kitchen operations in Executive Chef's absence and act as culinary leader when needed.
• Ensure food prepared and presented per recipes and quality standards.
• Monitor production, inventory, and rotation to minimize waste and control costs.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and events.
• Maintain compliance with health regulations and food safety inspections.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory and vendor coordination.
• Support tournaments, banquets, and other events.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Inventory management

Menu development

Staff supervision

Education

Associates Degree in culinary arts

Job description

Internal Candidates must apply through Jobs Hub in Workday.All positions close Friday morning at 12:01am.Apply to join our team today! The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work. Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity. The range listed reflects the entire range and typical placement is entry to mid range.Pay Range: $66,075.36-$90,347.92 AnnualThe City of Arvada is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support culinary operations at West Woods Golf Club and Lake Arbor Golf Course. This hands-on leadership role assists the Executive Chef with kitchen operations, staff supervision, menu development, food quality and safety, inventory, and special events. If you’re a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we’d encourage you to apply.Essential Job FunctionsAssists the Executive Chef in overseeing daily back-of-house operations for multiple food and beverage venues.Supervises, trains, schedules, and evaluates kitchen staff to ensure high standards of food quality, service, and safety.Leads kitchen operations in the Executive Chef’s absence and serves as acting culinary leader when assigned.Ensures all food is prepared and presented according to established recipes, quality standards, and portion controls.Monitors food production, inventory levels, and product rotation to minimize waste and control costs.Assists with menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, banquet menus, and special events.Maintains compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations.Conducts regular inspections of kitchen facilities, equipment, and storage areas to ensure cleanliness and operational readiness.Assists with purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and vendor coordination.Monitors labor utilization and staffing levels to support efficient operations and budget goals.Supports the preparation and execution of tournaments, banquets, weddings, meetings, and other special events.Ensures proper maintenance and safe operation of kitchen equipment and reports repair needs.Trains staff on culinary techniques, food safety standards, and operational procedures.Promotes a positive work environment through effective communication, coaching, and team development.Assists with establishing and maintaining standard operating procedures for kitchen operations.Responds to guest concerns and works collaboratively with front-of-house staff to ensure guest satisfaction.Maintains accurate records related to food safety, inventory, receiving, and kitchen operations.Fosters a culture of accountability, service excellence, and public stewardship.Frequently operates a personal or City-owned motor vehicle to drive to and from work locations throughout the City.Other Job FunctionsPerforms other duties as assigned.Essential Supervisory DutiesDevelops and/or participates in the development of staff work plans, measures and tracks progress towards goals, prepares and conducts timely and constructive performance appraisals.Makes decisions or recommendations for hiring, promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, and other personnel actions as necessary.Coaches, counsels and supports staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Consistently educates and advises staff on organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Supports creative thinking and problem solving and encourages participatory decision making when appropriate.Provides training and job enrichment opportunities and encourages professional growth and development.Knowledge Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of commercial food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, and culinary best practices.Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and applicable health regulations.Knowledge of inventory control, purchasing, and cost management principles.Ability to supervise, train, motivate, and develop culinary staff.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.Ability to maintain quality standards while managing multiple priorities.Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and guests.Proficiency with kitchen equipment, food service systems, and inventory management practices.Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, vendors, guests, and community partners.Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as operational needs requireAbility to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.License & CertificationAbility to obtain and maintain all required food safety and alcohol service certifications.Ability to obtain and maintain any required state or local liquor licenses within designated timeframes.A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.Education DegreeAssociates Degree (AA, AS) or higher in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a related field.Education MajorHospitality management, business administration, public administration, or a related field.Education RequiredAn equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.Work Experience RelatedThree (3) years of progressively responsible culinary experience in a high-volume food service operation.Other QualificationsMust pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.Physical DemandsModerate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions. Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs.) and use of medium weight tools.HazardsOccasional hazards that are predictable or well protected against (Hazardous waste, ladders, cleaning supplies, trips and falls)Work EnvironmentExposure to loud noise indoors.Vision: We Dream Big and DeliverMission: We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.Values:Innovation : We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.Passion : We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.Opportunity : We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.The City’s Core values are in every employee’s individual Performance Plan which helps us to reinforce our expectations for living and working by our Core Values.Every City employee is expected to perform his/her job to the highest professional standards. This includes upholding the City’s values with integrity and accountability, acting in a manner that is respectful and inclusive towards others, and adhering to the City’s policy on employee conduct as detailed in the personnel rules sec. 70-143.The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.