Sous Chef

JFCS of Southern New Jersey; Voorhees Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Fun

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance Waiver

Life Insurance

MetLaw

Job summary

Lions Gate CCRC in Voorhees Township, NJ is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join our culinary team. You will work with the Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, mentor staff, and ensure high-quality meals aligned with kosher standards for our residents.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in a culinary leadership role, experience in a kosher kitchen is preferred but not required, and a culinary degree or equivalent is desirable.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional culinary or kitchen experience.
• Experience in a supervisory role preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in kosher kitchen is preferred, but not required.
• Willingness to learn and follow kosher dietary laws.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations with the Executive Chef.
• Lead culinary staff to meet quality, presentation, and kosher standards.
• Plan menus, develop recipes, and supervise kitchen prep.
• Ensure safe, consistent food preparation and proper portioning.
• Train and mentor staff; manage kitchen schedules and inventory.
• Monitor food costs and waste; maintain a clean kitchen.

Skills

Culinary experience

Leadership

Kosher knowledge

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Position

Lions Gate CCRC is seeking an experienced and motivatedSous Chefto join our culinary team. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensure consistent food quality, support menu development, and lead and mentor culinary staff.

This position works in a kosher kitchen. Candidates must be willing and able to learn, follow, and consistently maintain all kosher dietary laws and kitchen procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional who enjoys working in a team-oriented environment and takes pride in preparing high-quality meals and creating an exceptional dining experience for our residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with the daily operation and management of the kitchen
• Lead and support the culinary team to ensure meals are prepared and served according to established quality, presentation, and kosher standards
• Prepare and execute a variety of menu items using proper culinary techniques while following all kosher kitchen requirements
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, and new culinary offerings
• Ensure all food is prepared consistently, safely, and according to established recipes, portion standards, and kosher guidelines
• Follow all kosher dietary laws, including proper separation and handling of meat and dairy products and other applicable kitchen procedures
• Train, coach, and mentor culinary staff on proper food preparation, sanitation, and kosher kitchen practices
• Assist with kitchen scheduling and daily staff assignments
• Help manage inventory, food ordering, receiving, and proper food storage
• Monitor food usage and assist with controlling food costs and minimizing waste
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-maintained kitchen and food preparation areas
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food safety, sanitation, health, and kosher regulations
• Follow proper food handling, storage, temperature control, and sanitation procedures
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and other departments to ensure smooth and efficient meal service
• Step in to lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef
• Promote a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional culinary or kitchen experience
• Previous Sous Chef, Lead Cook, or supervisory culinary experience preferred
• Culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience preferred
• Experience working in a kosher kitchen is preferred, but not required
• Willingness and ability to learn and follow kosher dietary laws and kitchen procedures
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to effectively train, motivate, and work alongside culinary staff
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures
• ServSafe or other food safety certification preferred
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary professional who takes pride in their work, enjoys leading a team, and is committed to providing our residents with meals that arehigh-quality, flavorful, fresh, and beautifully prepared.

You do not need to have previous kosher kitchen experience to be successful in this role. We are looking for someone with strong culinary skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to following kosher kitchen practices and standards.

If you are an experienced culinary professional ready to take the next step in your career and become an important part of a collaborative culinary team,we would love to hear from you!

Join the Lions Gate team and bring your passion for food and hospitality to a community where the dining experience matters.

Company Description

Lions Gateis a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community rooted in Jewish traditions and values. A home to seniors who share a passion for the things that matter – lifestyle, care, community, and tradition – to those who share a passion for life and all its possibilities.

Here atLions Gate, we have created a high standard of living for all of our residents. We are committed to honoring the programs and traditions of the Jewish faith in our community. Our employees reflect this commitment through their warm and loving nature in providing care and services to all those that reside at Lions Gate. By becoming part of theLions Gatecommunity and committing yourself to the care and comfort of each and every resident we serve, we assure you that your life will also be enriched in many ways.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Fun
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Insurance Waiver
• Life Insurance
• MetLaw