Sous Chef

Compass Group USA; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

Culinaire, a Compass Group USA member, is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support our culinary operations across Fort Worth Zoo restaurants, cafes, catering events, and special programs.

You will work closely with the Executive Chef to deliver top-quality food, lead kitchen teams, and ensure safety and efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Weekend/evening availability and strong leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of culinary leadership experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar role.
• Experience in high-volume food service, hospitality, catering, or entertainment venues.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and food production.
• Lead, coach, and develop cooks and culinary team members to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Prepare and execute menus for restaurants, concessions, and catering functions.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, portion control, and recipe adherence.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health dept regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and product rotation.
• Help manage food and labor costs while maintaining operational excellence.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe kitchen environments.
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal offerings; step into leadership in absence of Exec Chef.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

High-volume service

Job description

CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests.

The Fort Worth Zoo is seeking a passionate, hands-on Sous Chef to support culinary operations across our restaurants, cafes, catering events, and special programs. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to deliver exceptional food quality, maintain high culinary standards, and provide leadership to kitchen team members in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and food production.
• Lead, coach, and develop cooks and culinary team members to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency.
• Prepare and execute menus for restaurants, concessions, special events, banquets, and catering functions.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, portion control, and recipe adherence.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and product rotation.
• Help manage food and labor costs while maintaining operational excellence.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe kitchen environments.
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal offerings, and special event menus.
• Step into leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of culinary leadership experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or comparable role.
• Experience in high-volume food service, hospitality, catering, attractions, hotels, restaurants, or entertainment venues preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety standards.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse culinary team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing inventory, food costs, and purchasing.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification preferred (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures.

Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Personal Leave

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Culinaire maintains a drug-free workplace.