Jobs · Management · Illinois

Sous Chef

Solera Senior Living · Lake Bluff, IL · 2 wk ago
ManagementFull-time

Sous Chef

Solera Senior Living is seeking a dynamic and experienced Sous Chef to support the Director of Culinary Experience in all aspects of the community's culinary operations. This role requires strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as second-in-command; assume leadership in the Director’s absence
  • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers
  • Provide hands-on instruction on cooking techniques, portion control, and plating
  • Lead daily pre-service meetings (menu highlights, safety reminders, service goals)
  • Ensure all culinary team members follow community policies and professional standards

Culinary Execution & Food Quality

  • Plan and prepare meals according to established menus and standardized recipes
  • Maintain exceptional standards for flavor, consistency, and presentation
  • Prepare menu items to meet therapeutic/nutritional guidelines and physician orders
  • Monitor production for accuracy and timely service; conduct tastings and quality checks

Food Safety & Sanitation

  • Maintain strict adherence to ServSafe® standards and all local/state regulations
  • Oversee proper receiving, storing, labeling, and rotation (FIFO) of all food and supplies
  • Keep equipment and work areas clean, organized, and in good working order
  • Participate in inspections and implement corrective actions promptly

Administrative & Operational Support

  • Assist with ordering, inventory management, and cost control to minimize waste
  • Maintain production records, temperature logs, and required documentation
  • Collaborate on new menu items, seasonal offerings, and special event menus
  • Support staffing and scheduling to ensure efficient coverage

Resident & Guest Experience

  • Model a culture of hospitality and customer service excellence
  • Engage with residents in dining rooms to gather feedback and elevate satisfaction
  • Address food-related concerns promptly and professionally

Teamwork & Professionalism

  • Foster a positive, respectful, team-oriented environment
  • Support cross-departmental collaboration for seamless service
  • Uphold a professional image in appearance, communication, and behavior

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of progressive culinary experience, including supervisory duties; senior living, healthcare, or hospitality environment preferred
  • Formal culinary training or certification preferred
  • Strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment, and food production standards
  • Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate a culinary team
  • Excellent time management, organization, and composure in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; sound judgment under pressure
  • High level of integrity and genuine compassion for older adults and their families
  • ServSafe® / Food Handler certification (or ability to obtain and maintain upon hire)
  • Compliance with applicable health requirements, including the annual influenza vaccination (medical/religious exemptions considered per policy and law)

About the Role

Solera Senior Living is a growing company dedicated to making a difference in the lives of seniors through compassionate and innovative care. We offer immediate pay access, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive medical benefits, and a supportive, team-oriented workplace culture.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid holidays and time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and employee discount programs.

Pay

The salary range for this position is [Insert Salary Range Here].

Schedule

The schedule for this position is [Insert Schedule Here].

Skills

Skills required for this role include strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences for seniors and their families.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid holidays and time off, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and employee discount programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Solera Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

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