Sous Chef

Oak Hammock at the University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

401K with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Holidays & Floating Holiday

TicketsatWork program

Job summary

Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary team and lead daily kitchen operations for a resident-focused dining program in Gainesville, FL. You will mentor a back‑of‑house team, contribute to menu development, and ensure top‑quality meals that meet safety standards.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Dining Director, seasonal offerings, and a commitment to exceptional service for older adults within a thriving life‑plan community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Culinary school training and/or ACF certification preferred.
• 3–4 years of leadership experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef.
• Strong culinary skills and ability to create high‑quality, visually appealing dishes.
• Ability to lead and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and compassion for older adults.
• Ability to complete a Level II background check and pre‑employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations with the Dining Director.
• Supervise food production, daily specials, and peak service periods.
• Coach, train, and motivate back‑of‑house staff to high standards.
• Assist with menu planning, seasonal offerings, events, and resident dining experiences.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor quality, portions, inventory, and food costs.
• Assist with purchasing, ordering, and inventory management.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑shift kitchen walkthroughs to ensure readiness.
• Lead culinary operations in the Executive Chef's absence.

Skills

Leadership experience

Culinary skills

Food safety & sanitation

Communication skills

Compassion for older adults

Education

HS diploma or GED

Culinary school or ACF certification

Job description

What We Do

Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is an active, yet relaxed, Life Plan Community in Gainesville, Florida. We offer a full continuum of health care, including independent living, assisted living, specialized memory support, skilled nursing, and home care. Our community offers an unprecedented lifestyle of comfort and convenience with a rich array of services and amenities that focus on optimal wellbeing.

Position Title: Sous Chef

Position Type: Full Time

Imagine a rewarding career helping others. Working at Oak Hammock at the University of Florida is rewarding and fun. No matter your title, your days are spent among a community of residents enjoying retirement to the fullest. When you leave after your workday, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and joy since you are part of the community and residents’ lives.

What You Can Expect From Us

• University of Florida partnership with community discounts and access to opportunities through the Gator One UF ID Card
• OH, I CAN! Scholarship and Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Pay Every Other Week
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• 401K Retirement and Investing Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off Accrual
• 6 Paid Holidays and 1 Additional Floating Holiday
• TicketsatWork Benefit Program

Join a workplace where your work truly matters. At Oak Hammock, you’ll be part of a vibrant, welcoming community of residents who appreciate your support and kindness. Whether you’re new to the field or experienced, you’ll end each day with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. We are committed to an inclusive workplace and proudly uphold all EEOC and ADA standards.

Oak Hammock values every team member and invests in your success as well as your well‑being. We provide a full range of benefits designed to support you and your family, from healthcare coverage to meaningful workplace resources.

Join Our Culinary Team

Are you a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment? We're looking for an experienced Sous Chef to partner with our culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for our residents. This leadership role offers the opportunity to mentor a talented team and make a meaningful impact every day.

Sous Chef Position Summary

• Partnering with the Dining Director to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Supervising food production, coordinating daily specials, and providing hands‑on support during peak service periods.
• Leading, coaching, training, and motivating back‑of‑house team members to maintain high standards of performance and teamwork.
• Assisting with menu planning and development, including seasonal offerings, daily and weekly specials, catered events, holiday celebrations, and resident dining experiences.
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitoring food quality, portion control, inventory, and food costs to support efficient and cost‑effective operations.
• Assisting with purchasing, ordering, inventory management, and food preparation.
• Conducting pre- and post-shift kitchen walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness, organization, proper station setup, and inventory readiness.
• Assuming leadership of all culinary operations in the Executive Chef's absence.

Sous Chef Job Qualifications And Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Formal culinary education from an accredited culinary school and/or American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification preferred.
• Three to four years of leadership experience as a Sous Chef or Executive Chef preferred; senior living, healthcare, hospitality, or upscale dining experience is highly valued.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for creating high‑quality, flavorful, and visually appealing dishes.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing kitchen team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.
• Genuine compassion and enjoyment in serving and interacting with older adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to successfully complete a Level II Background Check and pre‑employment drug screening.