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Senior Sous Chef

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $54,000.00 - $84,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

competitive hourly rate
401k Company Match
Generous Paid Time Off
Comprehensive health benefits
wellness programs
Team bonus opportunities
Employee Resource Groups

Job Description

Factor, a brand of HelloFresh, is a dynamic and innovative company operating within the consumer services industry, specializing in the preparation and delivery of high-quality, nutrition-focused meals. As a leader in the meal kit and prepared meal sector, Factor is committed to transforming the traditional food supply chain by offering convenient, delicious, and nutritionally balanced meals that support the performance and wellbeing of its customers. The company prides itself on maintaining rigorous food safety standards, quality control, and operational excellence, all while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. With operations spanning multiple sites, Factor provides a fast-paced, mission-driven workplace where passionate culinary professionals can thrive and grow.

The Senior Sous Chef role at Factor is a critical leadership position designed for an experienced culinary professional who can oversee kitchen operations across multiple production sites in the Chicago area. This role focuses on maintaining the highest product quality and food safety standards in a large-volume kitchen environment, where meals are prepared with meticulous attention to presentation, taste, and nutritional value before, during, and after transit. The Senior Sous Chef will work closely with the research and development team to implement new recipes and improve existing ones, ensuring consistent execution and delivering premium results. This position requires a mix of creativity and operational discipline, which includes managing kitchen staff, conducting training sessions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. With responsibility for cost control, staffing, and productivity, the Senior Sous Chef will lead by example, providing hands-on support across various production stages such as cooking, assembly, and cooling.

As part of their leadership role, the Senior Sous Chef will also be entrusted with coaching and professional development of sous chef staff, fostering a culture of excellence and culinary innovation. The role encompasses managing kitchen safety protocols aligned with HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA regulations, as well as addressing any product quality issues or customer complaints related to meal production. The Senior Sous Chef will oversee the scheduling and payroll processes, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and maintaining maximum profitability. Furthermore, the position involves conducting quality inspections and ensuring compliance with gold standards for food quality and safety. Given the dynamic nature of the role, the ability to multitask, communicate effectively, and solve problems with a data-driven mindset is essential. Factor offers a competitive hourly wage complemented by comprehensive benefits, including 401K company match, generous paid time off, and wellness programs. This is an outstanding opportunity for culinary leaders seeking to impact a fast-growing brand that values passion, action, and innovation in food preparation and delivery.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 years experience in culinary roles preferably in mass production environments
  • Ability to lead and develop a team
  • Strong understanding of food safety and quality standards
  • Experience in managing staffing, scheduling and payroll
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexibility to work in varying temperature environments
  • Must be a self-starter with a proactive approach
  • Comfortable performing hands-on kitchen tasks
  • Willingness to align with company values of curiosity, passion, optimism, honesty, and action orientation

Job Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a sous chef or senior sous chef in large volume food production
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA standards
  • Experience in recipe development and execution
  • Ability to manage costs and optimize yields
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary experience
  • Demonstrated ability to train and develop kitchen staff
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
  • Data-driven mindset with analytical skills
  • Proficient with computer systems for recipe and production tracking

Job Duties

  • Oversee product quality and food safety in a mass production kitchen
  • Ensure the execution of new recipes, training and oversight of kitchen staff to implement new recipes as well as working with R&D team to help improve existing recipes
  • Own the weekly yields that are needed in all areas for accurate COG targets
  • Be responsible for training, coaching, and developing sous chef staff
  • Develop and implement process controls
  • Validate consistent, premium taste, appearance and performance of every meal leaving our high-volume kitchen
  • Train and lead other members of the team throughout the various parts of production including pre-op, cooking, assembly, cooling, etc.
  • Implement and adhere to gold standards of food quality and food safety
  • Cover station in absence of sous chef
  • Teach techniques and best practices to sous chefs and lead hourly employees
  • Leverage hands on knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA regulations
  • Continuously improve product quality and process steps with support of Corporate Executive chef and R&D chefs
  • Address and eliminate product quality issues/customer complaints arising from problems originating with production of meals
  • Supervise food production personnel, assist with food production tasks as needed and assure that quality and cost standards are consistently attained
  • Ensure proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality
  • Control food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability
  • Prepare weekly cook schedules and review/approve payroll in assistance with HR
  • Supervise, evaluate and train employees, sanitation and safety, menu planning and related production activities
  • Develop training and provide professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff
  • Maintain security of kitchen including equipment food and supply inventories
  • Assume complete charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef
  • Oversee all aspects of food preparation
  • Able to work in any station as assigned by the Executive Sous Chef
  • Consistently maintain standards of quality, cost, eye appeal and flavor of foods
  • Submit requests for maintenance, repairs and upkeep of the kitchen and its equipment
  • Review, coordinate, and communicate timing
  • making proper adjustments to accommodate
  • Check in place before production time and inspect presentation of food items to ensure that quality standards are met

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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