Sous Chef - [YR] Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Year Round

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation; Pigeon Forge (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dollywood Company in Pigeon Forge, TN is seeking a Sous Chef to lead the kitchen team, oversee food preparation, plate presentation, and sanitation, and help ensure each shift runs smoothly in line with our mission and values.

You will enforce portion control, manage inventory and costs, supervise staff, and collaborate with scheduling while working across park locations. A minimum of 1 year in a similar operation and ServSafe Manager Certification are required.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a similar operation.
• Ability to obtain ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Basic computer knowledge required.
• Experience supervising kitchen staff preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality food through QA practices.
• Enforce portion control and safety standards.
• Lead staff to ensure successful shifts.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness of the unit.
• Manage inventory, waste control, and cost budgets.
• Handle cash/credit transactions in line with PCI standards.
• Be flexible to work at different park locations.

Skills

Food prep

Team leadership

Quality control

Food safety

Inventory control

Budgeting

Customer service

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Tools

Point of Sale System

Calculators

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Posting Details

• Posted on October 26, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA

• Rate : $22 USD per hour
• Food
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: SOUSC011231

Description

This position exists to participate in all activities, including food preparation, plate presentation, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures. The Sous Chef will also lead the team to ensure shift is successful in a manner consistent with the mission and values of the Dollywood Company.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Acts as quality assurance inspector, ensure food is high quality
• Enforces preparation/food handling standards which ensure designated portion control
• Completes and monitors Safety Critical Checklists daily
• Complies with health department and food service department policies
• Knows, understands, and enforces the use of the “Start Fresh” program when necessary
• Ensures all products are presented to guest in a visually appealing and appetizing manner
• Supervises the following areas to ensure maximum control yielding high profitability in these areas:
  • Inventory Control - responsible for always maintaining a proper level of inventory; ensure units are not stock-piling food/supplies, keep par sheets up to date with only current items listed, all units have proper specifications, amounts of food and paper supplies
  • Rotation - products are rotated for maximum freshness using the FIFO (First in, First out) method
  • Portion Control - all hosts knows and understands the recipes and portions in preparing each unit’s menu, constantly inspecting and spot-weighing portion sizes
  • Waste Control - waste is kept to a minimum by not overproducing, avoiding accidents, and properly storing and handling food
  • Analysis - reviews cost of sales analysis of all food products sold
  • Budget - achieves budgetary goals for food cost and labor expense
  • Enforces/administers all Company and departmental policies regarding grooming, costuming, nametags, conduct, call-ins, etc
• Conducts employee performance evaluations
• Organizes and develops a well-trained, efficient staff whereby, when promotions are available, qualified people are also available
• Analyzes usage of labor to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency and collaborate with the scheduling team to correlate labor hours and sales volume in proportion
• Monitors cash overages and shortage daily and in accordance with company guidelines, acting if necessary
• Responsible for completing credit card transactions in compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security standards
• Ensures the unit is organized and maintained in a sanitary manner; ensure proper cleaning schedules are followed
• Available/willing to work at different locations on the park

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties

Education and Experience Required

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a minimum of 1 year experience in similar operation

Must be able to obtain ServSafe Manager Certification

Basic computer knowledge and usage required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
• Must reflect Dollywood’s image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in work
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must be committed to continuous improvement
• Must maintain a professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must promote and support a “team” work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
• Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to perform duties consistently while creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
• Able to be flexible and handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
• Able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication method
• Ability to tolerate extreme heat, extreme cold, and humidity, necessary to work in kitchens, walk-ins, freezers, climate changes and work outdoors
• Able to carry out the execution of ingredient measurements, portion control, time and temperature tables, and compilation of food safety check sheets
• Able to use equipment such as, but not limited to, Point of Sale System, calculators, knives, fryers, grills, oven, brooms, mops, sinks, dough machine, wedgers, dollies, rolling racks, dish machines, steam tables, warmers, mixers, etc
• Must take Start Fresh training, as well as implement all safety aspects of Start Fresh training
• Must be able to work and tolerate temperatures ranging from 0 to 120 degrees

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

• Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50lbs. utilizing company’s safety guidelines for safe lifting
• Mobility:Position may require intermittent toprolongedsitting,standingand/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours. Employees may alsobe requiredto travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain,stairsand uneven surfaces
• Repetitive Movements:This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands,armsor other body parts as part of typical job functions
• Environmental Conditions:This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees maybe requiredto work indoors and outdoors
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements:This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process andretaininformation, have attention todetailand communicate effectively using approved methods
• Able to meet the physical demands of the job

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.