Sous Chef

NOW HIRING: SOUS CHEF

The Orchards | Culinary Services

Are you an experienced culinary professional who enjoys leading a team and creating exceptional dining experiences?

The Orchards is looking for a dedicated and experienced Sous Chef to join our Culinary Services team. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who is passionate about food, leadership, teamwork, and providing high-quality, resident-centered dining experiences.

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to oversee the daily operations of Culinary Services, including food preparation, production, purchasing, inventory, meal service, staff leadership, food safety, and regulatory compliance. This position also works collaboratively with the Registered Dietitian and interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive nutritious, enjoyable, and individualized dining experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Assist the Executive Chef with the daily management and supervision of Culinary Services operations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to Culinary Services staff while promoting teamwork, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
• Manage food, supply, and equipment purchasing and inventory while maintaining appropriate inventory levels and staying within budget.
• Oversee the safe storage, preparation, service, and disposal of food in accordance with applicable regulations and organizational standards.
• Supervise meal preparation and service to ensure quality, presentation, nutritional, and sanitation standards are met.
• Provide hands-on support during food preparation and meal service as needed.
• Collaborate with the Registered Dietitian to implement physician-ordered diets, nutritional assessments, and individualized meal plans.
• Participate in menu planning, recipe standardization, disaster menu preparation, and resident preference initiatives.
• Regularly visit dining areas and interact with residents to gather feedback and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Maintain accurate documentation, assessments, progress notes, and regulatory records.
• Maintain compliance with Department of Health, OSHA, Life Safety, food safety, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory system and ensure proper food rotation and storage.
• Coordinate work assignments, prioritize projects, and adjust staffing based on operational needs.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, evaluating, and developing Culinary Services employees.
• Participate in required meetings, continuing education, annual in-services, and organizational training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Associate’s degree in Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, Foods and Nutrition, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of four years of culinary or food service management experience, including at least two years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP), Food Safety Certification, or ability to obtain required certification.
• Knowledge of Department of Health, OSHA, Life Safety, infection prevention, and long-term care dietary regulations.
• Experience in healthcare, long-term care, senior living, or institutional food service preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, delegation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with residents, families, physicians, Registered Dietitians, staff, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, inventory systems, and dietary or healthcare software.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Successful completion of required state education, mandatory in-services, and organizational training.
• Ability to complete required TB and other health screenings.

Why Join The Orchards?

At The Orchards, our Culinary Services team plays an important role in the daily lives of our residents. Food is more than a meal—it is an opportunity to create comfort, connection, enjoyment, and a sense of home.

As a Sous Chef, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated culinary team while helping create dining experiences that reflect the individual needs and preferences of the residents we serve.

Our benefits include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive Team Environment

Ready to Join Our Culinary Team?

If you’re an experienced culinary professional who enjoys leading others, takes pride in quality food and service, and wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, we’d love to have you join The Orchards team!

Apply today and bring your culinary leadership to The Orchards.

The Orchards is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.