Sous Chef

Willow Valley Communities; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO

Weekly pay

Tuition reimbursement and scholarships

Fitness center, spa, cafes, pools

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Willow Valley Communities - Manor Campus is seeking a Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations and participate in meal preparation while ensuring top quality and food safety. You will bridge Residents and Culinary Services, stepping in for the Chef when needed.

We offer a full-time schedule: 40 hours weekly, 11:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m., with two days off. Benefits, growth, and tuition support accompany this role.

Qualifications

• 2+ years cooking experience in a formal restaurant setting.
• Must have or attain ServSafe certification.
• Associate Degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or university OR equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Assign tasks and oversee proper food handling, preparation, and cooking methods.
• Lead stand-up meetings and guide kitchen staff in Chef's absence.
• Coach on portion control, recipe execution, knife skills, and safe handling.
• Conduct trainings on cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety per HACCP.
• Inspect foods, conduct taste tests, and ensure temperature and presentation standards.
• Develop daily specials and assist with recipe revisions to maintain quality.
• Complete inventory and ordering duties as assigned.
• Maintain accurate production and ordering records.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and sanitary; enforce equipment safety.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

HACCP

Training

Inventory management

Menu development

Knife skills

Education

Associate Degree (A.A.)

ServSafe certification

Job description

Overview

Sous Chef | Full-Time

Willow Valley Communities - Manor Campus

Ready to take the next step in your culinary career? Join our talented Culinary Services team and help create exceptional dining experiences for our Residents every day. As a Sous Chef, you'll play a key leadership role in the kitchen by actively participating in meal preparation and cooking while helping oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure every dish is prepared with excellence, quality, and care.

This position serves as a vital bridge between Residents and Culinary Services Management and is responsible for leading kitchen activities in the absence of the Chef.

Why Choose Willow Valley Communities?

At Willow Valley Communities, you'll enjoy more than just a job. You'll find opportunities to grow, thrive, and be part of a team that values your talents.

Our Benefits Include:

• Excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
• Generous PTO package
• Get paid weekly!
• Career growth opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship opportunities
• Access to employee amenities, including our fitness center, spa, cafés, and swimming pools
• And so much more!

Wage

• Starting at $21/hour + based on experience

What You’ll Do

As a Sous Chef, you'll help lead kitchen operations while ensuring every meal meets our high standards for quality, presentation, and food safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assign kitchen job tasks and provide oversight of proper food handling, preparation, and cooking methods to ensure menu selections are prepared efficiently and meet established quality standards.
• Actively participate in daily stand-up meetings with kitchen staff and lead these meetings in the absence of the Chef.
• Monitor and coach kitchen personnel on portion control, recipe execution, knife skills, and safe food handling practices.
• Conduct training programs focused on cleanliness, proper hygiene, and food safety in accordance with designated FOCUS in-service requirements.
• Inspect prepared foods and perform product taste testing before and during meal service to ensure all standards for temperature, taste, and presentation are met.
• Identify food items that do not meet quality standards and take appropriate corrective action while communicating concerns to Culinary Services Management.
• Create daily specials and assist with recipe development and revisions to maintain quality standards.
• Complete inventory and ordering duties as assigned by the Chef.
• Ensure accurate food production and ordering records are maintained within the food management system.
• Maintain cleaning schedules to keep work areas clean, organized, and sanitary.
• Enforce proper equipment operation to promote safety and prevent damage.
• Follow Willow Valley's HACCP plan and all related food safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications

We're looking for a culinary professional who is passionate about food quality, leadership, and delivering outstanding service.

Requirements:

• 2+ years of cooking experience in a formal restaurant setting
• Must have or attain ServSafe certification
• Associate Degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or university OR
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Two days off per week
• Some holidays required

Location

The Manor at Willow Valley Communities211 Willow Valley SquareLancaster, PA 17602

Bring Your Culinary Talent to a Team That Makes a Difference!

If you're passionate about creating exceptional meals, developing your culinary skills, and helping lead a high-performing kitchen team, we'd love to meet you. Join Willow Valley Communities and help us deliver memorable dining experiences for our Residents every day.

Willow Valley Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.