Position Summary:
The Sous Chef is responsible for leading all culinary aspects of events from planning and preparation to on-site execution and post-event tasks. This position demands advanced culinary skills, strong leadership, and organizational abilities to ensure that each event upholds our quality standards and exceeds client expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Event prep/Catering kitchen
- Ensure to make a logical daily prep list and manage prep production efficiently.
- Consistently maintain a high level of cleanliness
- Assist in ordering, processing, menu costing, and maintain an appropriate food cost as agreed upon by upper management
- Assist in all proper receiving processes; all product should be up to the standards of the restaurant group
- Manage BOH team to ensure they are all productively working.
- Help to ensure that there is never excessive overtime unless otherwise approved by upper management.
- Assist in maintenance of all equipment and facilities, especially kitchen spaces and work with the Sanitation Director to meet and exceed all health department standards
- Inventory should be checked and maintained daily to ensure no shortages.
- Assist in hiring and firing back of house staff.
- When closing the commissary kitchen, responsible for ensuring all closing cleaning checklists are followed, the alarm is set and the doors are locked.
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Collaborate with the CDC to understand event requirements, including menu, guest count, dietary needs, and logistics.
- Participate in weekly BEO meetings
- Arrive at the commissary kitchen at least 2 hours before the event call time to oversee food prep, review the pack-out, and verify inventory accuracy.
- Food Preparation and Quality Control
- Inventory food prep before the event, ensuring consistent quality, taste, and adherence to presentation standards.
- Ensure all food safety protocols and best practices are followed during preparation and on-site service.
- Check and organize all ingredients, prepped items, and equipment for transport, ensuring each component is correctly portioned and ready for final service.
- On-Site Event Execution
- Act as the lead chef on-site, overseeing cooking, plating, and service for all menu items, coordinating with front-of-house staff to maintain a seamless flow of service.
- Address any last-minute client or guest requests with flexibility and professionalism, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Ensure all food items are served at optimal temperature, quality, and visual appeal.
- Inventory and Equipment Management
- Organize and transport all necessary equipment, utensils, and supplies to and from events, keeping track of items to avoid losses.
- Conduct post-event inventory to ensure all items are returned, and report any missing or damaged equipment.
- Coordinate restocking needs and assist in maintaining the organization and readiness of event supplies.
- Team Leadership and Development
- Supervise kitchen staff and assistants, providing clear direction to ensure smooth and efficient service.
- Ensure staff is properly trained to produce any dish assigned to them by providing full demo and execution of the dish.
- Foster a positive team environment, training staff on proper techniques, portioning, and food presentation as needed.
- Resolve any on-site challenges calmly and efficiently, maintaining a collaborative, client-focused approach.
- Ensure to follow California Labor Laws and break BOH staff. The goal is to always avoid meal penalties.
- Client and Guest Interaction
- Act as the culinary representative to clients during events, addressing any questions, concerns, or special requests in a professional manner.
- Gather and relay client feedback to upper management, providing insights for continuous improvement.
- Additional responsibilities during non-event periods
Support in Other Locations: Assist at restaurants or the Cutlet commissary, providing culinary support and maintaining high-quality food standards.
Catering Storage Organization: Take time to organize and maintain catering storage at 4422, ensuring that all equipment, supplies, and inventory are properly labeled and easily accessible.
Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate with other departments as needed and take on additional tasks to contribute to overall operations during slower periods.
Other Duties as Assigned: Assist with any other responsibilities as required by
Qualifications:
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in high-volume catering or event-based culinary roles, with at least 2 years in a leadership position preferred.
- Skills: Strong culinary abilities, excellent leadership and problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations.
- Certifications: Food Handler’s Certification required; ServSafe Manager Certification is a plus.
- Driver’s Responsibility: Responsible for driving to and from events, except when the. A valid driver’s license is required.
- Towing Skills (Preferred): Experience driving a vehicle with a hitch/towing a trailer is a plus, as you may be required to transport a Pizza Oven.
Working Conditions:
- Hours: Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on event needs.
- Certifications: Manager Servsafe certification & Anti-harassment training certificate.
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and handle the demands of a fast-paced environment.
- Travel: Regular driving of company vehicles to event sites; must ensure secure and organized transport of food and equipment.
Other
- Must train at Jon & Vinny’s Restaurant.
More detail about Carmelized Productions part of Joint Venture Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/24763-Carmelized-Productions