Sous Chef

Culinaire International; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Discounts

Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a collaborative and hands-on Sous Chef to support culinary operations at the American Museum of Natural History. This role focuses on the Gilder Center's dining destination while contributing to events across additional outlets.

The Sous Chef will lead a team, partner with the Executive Chef, and help drive food quality, cost control, and guest satisfaction in a high-profile museum setting.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree, Associate degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in sous chef or kitchen leadership roles.
• Experience in high-volume restaurant, hospitality, catering, or foodservice operations.
• Experience leading kitchen teams and basic administrative responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary operations with the Executive Chef to ensure quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Lead, coach, and support a team of about seven culinary associates.
• Actively participate in food preparation, cooking, and service with the team.
• Assist with menu development, recipe execution, and seasonal offerings.
• Support catering and special events across the museum complex.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, receiving, and product quality.
• Assist in managing food cost, labor cost, and overall budget performance.
• Support financial and operational reporting including food cost analysis and purchasing controls.
• Collaborate with front-of-house managers for a seamless guest experience.
• Implement new culinary programs in partnership with culinary and marketing teams.
• Foster an inclusive, positive kitchen culture.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Team management

Menu development

Food safety

Cost management

High-volume ops

Guest hospitality

Catering/event experience

Staff coaching

Operational reporting

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation:

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation’s most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A!

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a collaborative and hands-on Sous Chef to support culinary operations at the renowned American Museum of Natural History. This role primarily supports the Museum's signature dining destination within the Gilder Center while also contributing to catering events and culinary operations across additional museum outlets.

This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys leading teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and balancing creativity with operational excellence. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef and front-of-house leadership to ensure high-quality food production, strong financial performance, and an engaging dining experience for museum guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Executive Chef to oversee daily culinary operations and ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and service standards


• Lead, coach, and support a team of approximately seven culinary associates


• Actively participate in food preparation, cooking, and service alongside the team


• Assist with menu development, recipe execution, and seasonal culinary offerings


• Support catering and special event production across the museum complex


• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards


• Monitor inventory, ordering, receiving, and product quality


• Assist in managing food cost, labor cost, and overall budget performance


• Support financial and operational reporting, including food cost analysis and purchasing controls


• Collaborate with front-of-house managers to ensure a seamless guest experience


• Implement new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership with culinary and marketing teams


• Foster an inclusive, positive, and team-oriented kitchen culture

What We're Looking For

• Culinary degree, Associate degree, or equivalent professional experience


• Experience in a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, or similar culinary leadership role


• Experience in high-volume restaurant, hospitality, catering, or foodservice operations


• Previous management or supervisory experience leading kitchen teams


• Understanding of food cost management, purchasing, inventory control, and labor planning


• Familiarity with business metrics such as COGS, P&L, and operational reporting


• Experience producing simple, high-quality, and flavorful menu offerings


• Catering and event experience is a plus


• Institutional, batch cooking, or contract foodservice experience is helpful


• Experience with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and basic administrative responsibilities


• ServSafe Certification preferred

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical


• Dental


• 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


• Commuter Benefits


• Employee Assistance Program


• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)


• Paid Parental Leave


• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf