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Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Temporary
Full-time
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Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
employee discount
Career development opportunities
Free Meals

Job Description

Disney Cruise Line is a premier cruise line known for delivering the magic of Disney to life on the high seas. As part of the larger Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line combines exceptional entertainment, world-class hospitality, and unique dining experiences to create unforgettable vacations for families and guests across the globe. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Disney Cruise Line focuses on safety, genuine guest connections, and maintaining high standards in every aspect of its operations. Working with Disney Cruise Line means being part of a diverse, inclusive, and professional community dedicated to creating cherished memories and providing exceptional service in a dynamic, evolving environment. The company fosters growth both personally and professionally, making it a standout employer in the cruise and hospitality industry.

The role of Sous Chef at Disney Cruise Line is a critical leadership position within the culinary team, responsible for supporting the Chef de Cuisine in managing and guiding a multicultural team of cooks and chefs. This role demands a passion for culinary excellence, strong leadership skills, and the ability to maintain the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, and safety. The Sous Chef will play an integral role in ensuring all food items meet the rigorous standards set by Disney Cruise Line and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). They will lead the team through multiple internal inspections, oversee daily menu preparation with attention to allergy and special dietary needs, and uphold company recipe guidelines through audits and plate presentations. This position requires a proactive attitude to ensure the smooth operation of the galley, quality control during food storage, production, and service, and maintenance of kitchen equipment.

Sous Chefs at Disney Cruise Line also have significant responsibilities in team communication, performance feedback, and training to foster a cohesive, efficient, and motivated culinary staff. The position offers the unique opportunity to work onboard a ship, embracing the maritime lifestyle while adhering to stringent safety protocols and living within a multicultural, regulated environment. Candidates must be genuinely interested in a career at sea and demonstrate strong adaptability to thrive in the unique challenges and rewards of shipboard culinary operations. This role is essential to maintaining Disney Cruise Line's reputation for culinary innovation and excellence and offers an enriching career path with exposure to advanced culinary practices and leadership development within a world-renowned company.

Job Requirements

  • Hold a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa with documents provided by Disney Cruise Line
  • Complete pre-employment medical
  • Obtain a criminal background check
  • Bring approved work shoes
  • Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and living onboard
  • Willingness to follow safety and emergency procedures
  • Ability to live in a multicultural environment with strict rules
  • Three years formal culinary training
  • Minimum three years high volume kitchen experience including two years as Chef de Partie
  • Ship experience required
  • Ability to lead and manage a diverse culinary team
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to work under tight deadlines and budget
  • Proficiency in all kitchen stations
  • Knowledge in safe food handling including HACCP and USPH
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Basic computer skills

Job Qualifications

  • Three years formal culinary training from accredited school or recognized apprenticeship
  • Minimum three years experience with at least two years as Chef de Partie in high volume kitchen
  • Ship experience required
  • Ability to lead a culinary team
  • Demonstrated initiative and leadership skills
  • Proficiency in all kitchen stations
  • Knowledge of safe food handling, HACCP, and USPH
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Good time management and organizational skills
  • Basic computer knowledge

Job Duties

  • Complete menu preparation for allergy and special dietary needs following strict company guidelines
  • Exceed Disney Cruise Line and Vessel Sanitation Program requirements and lead culinary team through weekly internal inspections
  • Implement company recipe guidelines via recipe booklets, plate presentations, and audits
  • Provide feedback on recipe formulation to Chef de Cuisine and Manager Food Operations
  • Facilitate communication between galley crew, Chef de Cuisine, and Manager Food Operations
  • Maintain food quality standards during storage, production, and service with Chef de Cuisine
  • Ensure opening and closing procedures of kitchens and production areas
  • Monitor kitchen equipment handling and maintenance and report needs through electronic system
  • Organize daily menu presentations and food tastings
  • Provide performance feedback of the culinary team to Chef de Cuisine

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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