Catering Sous Chef - Washington - Founding Farmers Restaurant Group

Description

CATERING SOUS CHEF

Our Catering Sous Chef is a highly skilled, hands-on culinary leader who serves as the operational backbone of the catering kitchen, bringing the Executive Chef's vision to life through precise execution, organization, and leadership. This role is responsible for translating menus and concepts into consistent, high-quality food production across a wide range of events. Working closely with the Executive Chef and kitchen team, the Catering Sous Chef ensures prep, production, and execution run smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule. Success in this role requires strong culinary expertise, a calm and solutions-oriented approach, and the ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-volume catering environment.

WHAT OUR SOUS CHEF DOES:

• Support the executive chef in overseeing all kitchen and food production operations
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff, including prep cooks and station attendants
• Manage food preparation to ensure quality, consistency, and timely execution for events
• Lead the kitchen in the executive chef's absence
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
• Monitor portion control, waste reduction, and cost efficiency
• Help manage receiving and proper storage of ingredients
• Assist with menu development, tastings, and recipe standardization
• Train staff on recipes, procedures, and equipment use
• Troubleshoot operational issues during prep
• Support scheduling, prep lists, and production planning
• Assist with execution of full-service catering events as needed
• All other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE A SOUS CHEF:

• Professional culinary training or equivalent hands-on experience; experience with high volume production or catering
• 3–7 years of kitchen experience, including leadership or supervisory roles
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
• Able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred, but not required
• Able to read and follow a recipe
• Ability to scale recipes and manage production timelines
• Ability to work on your feet for eight hours or more a day in a confined area with fluctuating temperatures
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, as needed
• Continuous bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, and use of hands and arms
• May be exposed to allergens such as nuts, seeds, soy, shellfish, and dairy
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail, problem solver, team player
• Familiarity with catering software and/or ability and willingness to learn new platforms

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive pay
• Health insurance plans available for as low as $150 per month after 30 days of employment
• Dental and vision plans
• Paid time off
• $300 dining credit per month for Farmers Restaurant Group
• Paid pregnancy and parental leave
• Voluntary benefits: short-term disability and accident insurance
• Free access to company massage therapist
• Discounted gym & yoga membership
• Free mental health therapy through our partner ComPsych, where employees and their immediate family members receive confidential sessions available virtually or in-person
• Training and career growth opportunities
• Free Employee Assistance Program