Sous Chef

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Production

• Supports the Executive Chef in managing daily production kitchen operations to ensure consistent high-quality meal service.
• Prepares menu items according to standardized recipes and production schedules using classical and contemporary cooking methods.
• Ensures proper portioning plating and presentation standards are met prior to service.
• Taste-tests and evaluates food before service to ensure quality flavor and presentation standards are met.
• Oversees food preparation to ensure timely execution of service in all dining venues.
• Ensures adherence to menu specifications dietary guidelines and special requests.
• Assists with food preparation and production as needed to support kitchen operations particularly during peak service periods.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follows and enforces safe food handling procedures with strict attention to HACCP and critical control temperatures.
• Maintains food temperature logs production records and sanitation documentation.
• Ensures all kitchen equipment utensils and workspaces are cleaned and sanitized during and after each shift.
• Maintains compliance with federal state and local health regulations.

Team Leadership & Training

• Supervises kitchen team members during assigned shifts and in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Provides guidance coaching and support to culinary staff to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Assists with onboarding training and mentoring of new kitchen team members.
• Helps evaluate performance and supports a positive collaborative kitchen culture.

Production Planning & Inventory Support

• Assists with food production planning to ensure adequate preparation for meal service and events.
• Supports proper product rotation using the First-In First-Out (FIFO) method.
• Works collaboratively with the Executive Chef and Purchasing Coordinator to maintain appropriate product levels.
• Assists with inventory monitoring waste reduction and cost-control initiatives.

Quality & Resident Experience

• Ensures food quality presentation and service standards reflect the hospitality expectations of Enso Village.
• Supports a resident-centered dining experience and responds professionally to feedback.
• Assists with special events catering and community functions as needed.

Operational Support

• Operates kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates strong knife skills and knowledge of proper cutting techniques.
• Maintains an organized and safe work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the Culinary Services team.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary degree or certificate in Culinary Arts preferred.
• Minimum 35 years of culinary experience preferably in restaurants hotels fine dining or senior living communities.
• Prior experience supervising kitchen staff preferred.
• ServSafe Food Protection Certification or ability to obtain upon hire preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food safety sanitation standards and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively including reading writing and speaking as necessary to perform essential job duties communicate with residents and team members and respond to emergency situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend stoop and reach to access ingredients and equipment in low cabinets high shelves or confined spaces.
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 90% of the workday.
• Ability to lift carry push or pull up to 50 pounds.
• May be exposed to hot and cold temperatures from ovens grills and freezers.
• Ability to tolerate warm and humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and utensils with strong manual dexterity and knife skills.

Compensation and Benefits:

Enso Village is committed to equal pay and transparency. The salary range for this position is $32.00 to $38.00 per hour. This range provided as a general guideline and compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors including candidates work experience education/training key skills external non-profit market data and business considerations.

We provide team members with a supportive and inclusive work environment focused on health and well-being. Eligible team members are offered comprehensive benefits package including:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical dental and vision coverage available starting on your first day of employment.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with a generous employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Paid annual vacation sick days personal days and holidays.
• Healthy Meals: Subsidized organic nutritious meals available daily.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing career growth and development within the organization.

We value applicants of all different backgrounds experiences and skill sets. If you think you could excel in this role (regardless of whether you meet all of the qualifications) we encourage you to apply. Enso Village is an equal opportunity employer which means that we consider applicants for hire and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation pregnancy military or veteran status disability age genetic information or other legally protected status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who request an accommodation.

Required Experience:

IC