Sous Chef – Leadership Track (Growth to Executive Chef)

Iacofano Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 33,062 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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 in Charlotte, NC is hiring a Sous Chef for their Catering & Events division. This hands-on leadership role requires you to manage kitchen operations, lead production teams, and ensure food quality. Ideal candidates will have previous Sous Chef experience and a passion for team development. This position offers $24–$28/hour, health benefits, and opportunities for growth into Executive Chef roles. Occasional travel is expected, making it a fantastic fit for those looking to advance their culinary careers.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food production.
• Ability to lead teams and manage high-volume production.
• Ability to follow and enforce systems, standards, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen teams during daily production.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Assist in training and developing cooks.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Previous experience as a Sous Chef or senior-level cook

Tools

ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)

Job description

Description

What’s in it for you

• Starting Pay: $24–$28/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 in a growing operation

Career Growth & Opportunity

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

Leadership Development & Travel

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

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

Ideal for someone who wants to grow into a Chef role, without full-time travel

Position Overview

Iacofano’s Catering & Events is hiring a Sous Chef – Leadership Track to support our Charlotte operation.

This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for:

• Supporting daily kitchen operations
• Leading production teams
• Ensuring quality, consistency, and execution
• Assisting with training and team development

This role plays a key part in building the bench and developing future leaders within the company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen teams during daily production
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Assist in training and developing cooks (Cook 1 ? Cook 2 ? Cook 3)
• Help implement systems, processes, and operational standards
• Support Expo/QA and logistics coordination when needed
• Assist with scheduling, prep planning, and production execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment
• Travel occasionally to support other locations as needed

What Makes a Great Fit

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment
• Organized and detail‑oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Interest in long‑term growth into Chef or leadership roles

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, standards, 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 production kitchens
• Experience training and developing kitchen staff
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)

Why This Role Is Different

• Not just a Sous Chef role—this is a leadership development position
• Opportunity to help build teams and improve operations
• Direct path to Executive Chef and beyond
• Structured systems and a company focused on growth
• A leadership role with stability and opportunity

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a standard Sous Chef role, this isn’t it.

If you want to grow into a Chef, develop teams, and help build a high‑performing catering operation, this is a real opportunity.