Sous Chef

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition assistance

Transit pass

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Sous Chef to provide leadership in the campus dining operation, overseeing preparation, production, and quality across assigned locations, and ensuring allergen labeling and food safety standards are met.

Responsibilities include directing staff, assisting with menu development and ordering, and maintaining SOPs. Four years of food service experience and a food safety certification within 6 months are required.

Qualifications

• Four years of food service experience.
• Education may substitute for experience.
• Must obtain food safety certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work in a team-driven environment; attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen Prep/Operation and Production oversight.
• Direct workflow of assigned staff and production.
• Assist with menu development and standardized recipes.
• Ensure food safety and allergen labeling procedures are followed.
• Supervise schedule adherence and time-off requests.

Job description

Requisition Number: 76068

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full-Time

Posting Close Date: 30-Dec-2026

Date Posted: 10-Nov-2026

Job Summary

The Campus Dining & Hospitality team at the University of Colorado, Boulder is seeking applications for a Sous Chef! This position provides extensive oversight and leadership in their assigned dining location and overall dining services when needed. This includes providing input for new and existing products/menus/recipes and test them to ensure accuracy of ingredients, methodology, yield, authenticity and quality, as well as assigning and delegating standardized recipe preparation, ensuring quality, allergen labeling and food safety measures are followed in the specific assigned production area.

Applications received by November 17, 2026, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled, and applications submitted after November 17th will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Division of Student Life consists of 36 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.

At CU Boulder, dining is more than just a meal-it's an experience. Our award-winning dining venues serve fresh, sustainable, and innovative cuisine crafted by a passionate team dedicated to your well-being.

Every year, we proudly serve over 3 million meals, fueling healthy bodies and minds with options that are as delicious as they are nutritious. From community-building events to hands-on food education, we're here to help Buffs build lifelong habits for a healthier future.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Kitchen Prep/Operation and Production:

• Ensure all areas are setup and broken down in accordance with SOP's.
• Strong understanding of the operation, keep equipment in excellent condition through personal inspection and places work orders for equipment in need of repair.
• Fulfill and serve menus as assigned by prepping, cooking, baking and otherwise assembling standardized recipes.
• Ensure all food safety and allergen labeling procedures are followed during schedule shift and determine corrective action when out of compliance.
• Direct work flow of assigned staff and production.
• Make service decisions based on product outages and menu changes.
• Assist with ordering and receiving of product as need.
• Successfully passes food safety certification appropriate for the position and offers tutoring assistance to staff.
• Understand and ensure all sanitation regulations and safety standards.

Personnel:

• Assist with culinary staff selection, training and onboarding process.
• Assist with creating standardized operating procedures and staff training methods.
• Empower others to make decisions in areas within their span of control.
• Ensure employees follow assigned schedule, appropriate break times and follow proper procedures of requesting time off.
• Responsible for performance management and holds employees accountable.
• Follow progressive coaching processes and presents staff issues to Executive Culinary Team/HR to assess any needed action.
• Report workplace injuries and follows departmental HR processes.
• Display and demonstrate thoughtful and timely communication skills.

Quality Assurance:

• Provide and ensure customer service standards are met in assigned functional area.
• Offer recommendations and solutions to the Executive Culinary team to improve daily operations of functional area.
• Actively contribute to menu development with Executive Culinary team, which includes oversight of inventory and recommending purchasing needs specific to the functional area/kitchen needs.
• Serve on the food safety response team and responds to all food safety emergencies as appropriate to the work assignment.

What You Should Know

Positions with Campus Dining & Hospitality at the University of Colorado, Boulder are subject to changes in campus location and work schedule.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary for this position is $49,857.60.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Four years of food service experience. Education may substitute for experience.
• Must obtain food safety certification appropriate for the position level within 6 months of hire and maintain certification for the duration of employment with CDH.

What You Will Need

• Ability to work in a team driven environment.
• Attention to detail.

What We Would Like You to Have

• 2 years experience in fast paced high volume university or institutional food service operation.
• Supervisory experience.

Essential Services

This position is designated "essential services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man‑made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.