Sous Chef

Sky Chefs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Free meals & parking

Career growth

Job summary

SkyChefs is seeking a Sous Chef in Portland, OR, on-site. The role centers on leading a high-volume kitchen, delivering high-quality meals, coaching a culinary team, and driving efficiency. The company provides strong benefits and growth opportunities, with a focus on safety, quality, and collaboration.

The Sous Chef will support the Executive Chef, manage daily kitchen operations, and help translate menus into exceptional plates while maintaining standards and cost controls.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in commercial cooking, high-volume experience preferred.
• Apprenticeship or certification from culinary school.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, hygiene, inventory control).
• Strong communication, organizational and time-management abilities.
• Understanding of cost control and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team daily, coaching and helping everyone stay confident and on track.
• Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when unavailable (vacations, off-days, menu presentations).
• Executes and supervises food production activities (cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking).
• Cook, plate meals, ensuring high presentation and taste.
• Maintain quality and food safety as top priorities, ensuring consistency.
• Monitor portions to meet standard guests' expectations, and manage kitchen timing and flow.
• Assist with inventory, deliveries, and waste reduction to control costs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that the team takes pride in.
• Contribute ideas to menus and help launch new dishes.
• Support scheduling and provide feedback to grow the team.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Communication

Organizational

Time-management

Cost control

Education

Culinary apprenticeship/certification

Job description

Job Title: Sous Chef
Job Location: Portland-USA-97218
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $65,491.77 - 81,864.70

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

The Opportunity

The Sous Chef is at the heart of the kitchen, setting the pace, leading from the front, and making sure every dish meets the highest standards. In this fast-moving, high-volume environment, they keep operations flowing smoothly while delivering consistent, high-quality food the team can be proud of. They work side by side with a talented culinary team, coaching, supporting, and bringing out the best in each person. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for great food, the Sous Chef also helps bring menus to life, ensuring every plate reflects both quality and creativity. This is the perfect role for a driven culinary professional who thrives under pressure, leads with confidence, and takes pride in delivering excellence every single day.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting Day 1
• Employer‑paid life insurance and AD&D benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free meals and parking
• Career growth opportunities with a global organization

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track
• Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation, off-days, menu presentation to customers, etc.
• Executes and supervises food production activities, e.g. proper cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking of food items etc.
• Jump in alongside the team to prepare, cook, and plate meals, making sure everything looks and tastes great
• Keep quality and food safety front and center, making sure everything is done the right way, every time
• Make sure portions are consistent and every plate meets the standard guests expect
• Keep an eye on timing, flow, and details so the kitchen runs smoothly, even during busy shifts
• Track what’s being used, help manage inventory, and check deliveries to ensure everything meets expectations
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that the whole team can take pride in
• Contribute ideas to menus and help bring new dishes to life
• Support scheduling and provide feedback that helps team members grow and succeed
• Help control costs by reducing waste and using resources wisely without cutting corners

What You Bring to the Table

• 3-5 years of experience in commercial cooking, with high volume experience a plus
• Completion of Apprenticeship or Certification course from culinary school
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast‑paced setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, food hygiene, inventory control).
• Strong communication, organizational, and time‑management abilities.
• Understanding of cost control and kitchen operations

SkyChefs is an EEO and Aff…