Employee Cafeteria, Culinary Sous Chef

Buffalo, NY, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $48,400.00 - $65,400.00

Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and development programs

flexible scheduling

Job Description

Seneca Gaming Corporation is a prominent gaming and entertainment company known for its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to its patrons. Founded with a vision to combine entertainment, hospitality, and gaming excellence, the company continuously strives to uphold high standards in service, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Seneca Gaming Corporation operates several casino and hospitality venues, creating job opportunities that foster career growth and professional development in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Their values emphasize integrity, teamwork, and respect for their guests and employees, making it one of the most respected organizations in the gaming industry.

The role of Culinary Sous Chef at Seneca Gaming Corporation is a pivotal position within the culinary department, serving as the third-in-command in the kitchen hierarchy. This role focuses on food production oversight, ensuring that all culinary activities align with the high-quality standards established by the Executive Chef. The Culinary Sous Chef is responsible for supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation processes, and maintaining compliance with company policies, sanitation standards, and internal control objectives. This position requires a hands-on leader who is adept at managing high-volume food production in a fast-paced environment like a casino and entertainment venue.

The successful candidate will be in charge of supervising and mentoring the culinary team, maintaining portion control, recipe adherence, and overall production efficiency. Key responsibilities include establishing production levels based on forecasts, overseeing inventory and ordering processes, and collaborating on menu design and development. This role also demands commitment to exceptional customer service and maintaining a safe, sanitary, and organized work environment. The Culinary Sous Chef must have excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate diverse culinary teams while working under pressure. This position offers a competitive starting salary of $49,069, with compensation negotiable based on experience and education. Candidates must be prepared to work flexible hours based on a 24-hour schedule, supporting Seneca Gaming Corporation's commitment to quality and outstanding guest experiences.

Job Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Postsecondary culinary arts degree or equivalent four years of culinary work experience
Minimum four years experience in high-volume kitchen environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to lead and motivate teams
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Ability to stand, walk, and move through casino floor
Ability to handle physical demands including lifting up to 50 pounds
Compliance with company policies, procedures, and attendance guidelines

Job Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older
Degree from a postsecondary culinary arts training program preferred or four years of culinary work experience
Minimum of four years in a large production kitchen or high-volume food and beverage operation
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, communication, coaching, team building, and problem-solving skills
Exceptional skills in high-volume cooking, food presentation, and precision recipe adherence
Ability to lead, coach, and motivate diverse teams
Computer literate in Microsoft Office and automated restaurant systems
Knowledge of food and labor cost monitoring, menu development, costing, ordering, inventory, and sanitation
Ability to obtain ServSafe or Food Safety Handler Certificate
Excellent communication skills including reading, writing, and speaking effectively
Ability to handle customer and employee interactions diplomatically and tactfully
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

Job Duties

Report to work well-groomed in full uniform and on time with badge on upper left side of uniform
Provide prompt, friendly, and courteous service of food and beverage to all guests
Be hospitable, friendly, and polite with guests, co-workers, and management using positive body language
Establish production levels based on forecasts and business needs
Supervise kitchen preparation and ensure all stations are ready for service
Verify portion sizes, quality standards, department rules, policies, and procedures are maintained
Lead culinary team to ensure production efficiency, culinary techniques, and recipe adherence
Assist in hiring, training, and mentoring kitchen staff
Manage food and labor cost, schedules, inventory control, ordering, and receiving
Collaborate with Executive Chef and culinary management team on menu design and recipe development
Maintain safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen complying with sanitation regulations
Train kitchen personnel in equipment safety, policies, and food production principles
Supervise production of all food items maintaining quality standards
Relay guest complaints or compliments to manager or supervisor on duty
Provide exceptional customer service maintaining professional communication
Meet attendance guidelines and adhere to company policies
Complete required training programs within nine months
Attend all necessary meetings
Duties and responsibilities may change as needed to meet business needs