Sous Chef – Leadership Track (Growth Opportunity)

Iacofano Group; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting Pay: $22–$26/hour based on experience

401(k) with company match

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Holiday pay at time and a half

Free employee meals

Overtime opportunities available

Job summary

Iacofano Group is seeking a Sous Chef for our Columbia location focused on leadership in a high-volume catering kitchen. The role includes leading kitchen teams, ensuring food quality, and supporting operations. Candidates should have previous Sous Chef experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. This position offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for career growth within a growing catering operation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or senior-level cook.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food production.
• Ability to lead teams and manage high-volume production.
• Ability to follow and enforce systems and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen teams during daily production.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Train and develop cooks.
• Maintain kitchen systems, processes, and organization.
• Travel occasionally to support other locations.

Skills

Strong leadership and team support skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Organized and detail-oriented

Job description

Description

What’s in it for you

• Starting Pay: $22–$26/hour based on experience
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Holiday pay at time and a half
• Free employee meals
• Overtime opportunities available
• Consistent, full-time leadership role
• Be part of a growing catering operation with long-term opportunity
• Clear path to Executive Chef and leadership roles

Career Growth & Opportunity

• Clear path to Executive Chef and leadership roles
• Opportunity to help build and develop kitchen teams
• Work directly with leadership on systems and training
• Be part of a company expanding across multiple locations

Leadership Development & Travel

This role is primarily based in Columbia, with occasional travel (typically once per quarter) to:

• Support other kitchen locations
• Assist with training and development
• Help maintain consistency across operations

Position Overview

Iacofano’s Catering & Events is hiring a Sous Chef – Leadership Track for our Columbia (29169) location.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a high-volume catering kitchen focused on consistency, efficiency, and teamwork.

You will support daily operations, lead production teams, and help develop staff while ensuring food quality and execution standards are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen teams during daily production
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Train and develop cooks (Cook 1 ? Cook 2 ? Cook 3)
• Maintain kitchen systems, processes, and organization
• Support Expo/QA and logistics coordination when needed
• Assist with scheduling and production planningMaintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment
• Travel occasionally to support other locations

What Makes a Great Fit

• Strong leadership and team support skills
• Reliable and accountable
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Good communication skills
• Interest in growing into a Chef or leadership role

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or senior-level cook
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food production
• Ability to lead teams and manage high-volume production
• Ability to follow and enforce systems and procedures
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally (quarterly)

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in catering or high-volume kitchens
• Experience training and developing staff
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)