Sous Chef

Job Listing: Sous Chef I - Shedd Aquarium

Principal Function:

As a Sous Chef at Shedd Aquarium, you will be instrumental in the culinary operations across our diverse quick-service restaurant spaces, grab-and-go concessions, line service, pastry program, and banquet functions. This role is perfect for a passionate culinary professional who is enthusiastic about food presentation, guest service, and team mentorship. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will ensure consistent food quality and presentation while upholding Sodexo Live!'s standards for food safety, sanitation, and guest satisfaction. The Sous Chef position is an entry-level supervisory role within our kitchen, responsible for guiding culinary team members through essential cooking techniques, plating, and overall food service execution. You will manage various kitchen stations-hot, cold, and bakery-ensuring a smooth, efficient flow of operations while creating appealing and flavorful dishes. You will also assist with supervising food preparation and supporting culinary staff training, setting a standard for excellence in every aspect of service.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Culinary Leadership & Supervision: Act as a key member of the Culinary Leadership Team, helping to manage kitchen operations and supervising a team responsible for the preparation of food for quick-service, grab-and-go, and banquet settings.
• Quality Food Preparation: Ensure that foods are prepared using fundamental cooking techniques, seasoned to enhance flavor, and plated in an aesthetically pleasing manner that aligns with Shedd Aquarium's standards.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, food handling, and sanitation to meet Sodexo Live!, local, and governmental guidelines, creating a safe and productive work environment.
• Training & Development: Mentor and train culinary team members in essential kitchen skills, helping to develop their culinary expertise. Provide guidance and instruction to support a cohesive, efficient team environment.
• Banquet & Pastry Program Support: Assist with the execution and presentation of banquet menus and contribute to the pastry program by ensuring consistent quality, portion control, and creativity in the production of desserts and baked goods.
• Customer Satisfaction Commitment: Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service by setting an example for the culinary team and consistently aiming to exceed guest expectations with quality food and presentation.
• Problem Solving & Memorable Experiences: Act as a passionate problem solver and memory maker, going the extra mile to create a warm, welcoming experience for every guest, whether local or visiting.

Key Attributes & Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a food preparation position in a commercial kitchen setting; experience in quick service, concessions, or banquets preferred.
• Education: Degree from a postsecondary culinary arts program is preferred (but not required), as well as American Culinary Federation (ACF) Professional Certification.
• Team-Oriented: Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment, promoting teamwork, and creating a supportive kitchen atmosphere.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities, able to give and receive instructions and provide clear feedback to team members.
• Attention to Detail: Eye for detail in food presentation, sanitation practices, and recipe adherence to ensure consistent quality across all kitchen areas.
• Can-Do Spirit: Eager to provide exceptional service, you go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for each guest, demonstrating adaptability and attention to detail.
• Multi-Tasking & Fast-Paced Efficiency: Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a busy, high-energy environment.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively in a high-activity environment with wet floors, varying temperatures, and noise.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used by guests.

Why Join Us:

At Shedd Aquarium, you'll be part of a collaborative and innovative team culture dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences. As a member of the Sodexo Live! team, you'll be supporting Shedd Aquarium's mission to make a difference every day-for animals, for conservation, and for our guests. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about food, guest satisfaction, and supporting Shedd's conservation values.

Join us in making a difference at Shedd Aquarium and delivering an exceptional culinary experience for all guests!

Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.