Catering Sous Chef

Much Ado Catering is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our Culinary Team. This position is responsible for daily culinary operations for Much Ado Catering. The Sous Chef plays a hands-on leadership role ensuring exceptional guest service, food quality, safety, sanitation, and operational excellence. We are looking for a team-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to high-quality food and outstanding hospitality.

Much Ado Catering is the Catering Department under Davidson Dining Services. This is a 12-month Full Time Benefited Position. During the academic year, our dining locations operate seven days a week serving three meals a day for the students, guests, staff, and faculty of Davidson College. This position is a part of the Davidson Dining Services Department and may require cross departmental assistance in another dining location outside of catering.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Planning and Directing Food Production:
   
   
   
   • Assist the Catering Chef in the planning and logistics for off-site and on-site catering events
   • Monitor inventory and place food orders with the Procurement Department
   • Lead the Much Ado Culinary team in execution of BEOs (Banquet Event Orders)
   • Supervise staff to ensure efficient work flow
   • Ensure timely completion of all tasks assigned by the Catering Chef
   
   
2. Ensure All Food Items Prepared to Much Ado Standard:
   
   
   
   • All food items prepared to recipes, portioned correctly
   • Make sure all food is presented in an attractive manner
   • Collaborate with team members for proper execution of menu items
   • Support sustainability efforts by portion management and waste reduction
   
   
3. Health and Safety:
   
   
   
   • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and sanitation in compliance with health and safety standards
   • Operate and maintain kitchen equipment
   • Ensure proper food storage, rotation, and labeling
   • Uphold compliance with NC Department of Environmental Health Codes and Davidson College Dining standards
   
   
4. Team Collaboration:
   
   
   
   • Work closely with other catering staff and kitchen personnel to accomplish a common goal - providing an exceptional product to our clients and their guests
   • Lead, train, coach and develop team members
   • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Catering Director and Catering Chef
   
   
5. Policy and Procedures:
   
   
   
   • Ability to maintain and uphold the policies and procedures of Much Ado Catering and Davidson Dining Services.
   • Policies including but not limited to dress code, personal hygiene, safety standards, attendance, and all others identified in the employee handbook
   • Must complete all required trainings assigned to the position
   • A Much Ado Catering Sous Chef is a direct representative of the department and must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
   
   

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or 5 years experience in high-volume hotels, banquets, or higher education dining preparing both hot and cold foods
• Proficient in safe handling and batch cooking techniques
• ServSafe Food Production Manager Certification (or obtained within 30 days of start date)
• AllerTrain U Certification (or obtained within 30 days of start date)
• Strong knife skills, knowledge of diverse cooking methods, and the ability to follow recipes accurately
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays in accordance with business needs, we are a 3 meals a day, 7 days a week operation
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead and motivate others
• Comfortable using kitchen and cleaning equipment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift, push, pull, carry up to 50 pounds

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in various environments, including kitchens, event venues, and outdoor locations.
• Exposure to environmental hazards such as chemicals, heat, noise, sharp objects, slippery floors and temperature extremes

This job description outlines the general duties and responsibilities of a Catering Sous Chef. Specific duties may vary based on the needs of Davidson Dining Services.

Night and Weekend Work Required: Yes

Benefits

• Insurance is available
• Tiered shift differential pays for evenings and weekends
• Holiday pay
• Vacation hours accrual
• Sick time accrual
• Meals are included during the employee's normal work hours

Information about how to submit an application can be found at https://employment.davidson.edu