Sous Chef

Santa Rosa, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $22.00 - $24.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

paid bereavement

Paid jury duty

Complimentary Meals

Career advancement opportunities

Professional training

Job Description

Gallaher Signature Living is a distinguished company specializing in boutique active adult living communities, dedicated to redefining what it means to age well. Rooted in a rich legacy of compassion, elegance, and excellence, Gallaher Signature Living offers more than just traditional senior living solutions. Their communities focus on providing personalized experiences that enrich daily life, foster meaningful connections, and promote a high quality of life for active adults. With operations in multiple residential locations across California, including Santa Rosa, Alameda, Moorpark, and Covina, the company supports Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services within thoughtfully designed environments. Gallaher Signature Living is recognized for its commitment to exceptional hospitality and forward-thinking care models that prioritize the dignity, respect, and well-being of every resident. Their corporate support office is located in Windsor, California, coordinating efforts across their expanding network of communities. The company maintains a strong culture of inclusion and equal employment opportunity, ensuring a workplace that values diversity and professional growth. Employees are supported through extensive training and are offered a variety of benefits tailored to foster career development and a balanced lifestyle.

The Sous Chef role at Gallaher Signature Living plays a crucial part in delivering a refined, restaurant-quality dining experience within their boutique active adult living community. This position is responsible for the preparation and service of high-quality meals that align with approved menus, resident preferences, and regulatory standards, including compliance with California Title 22 regulations. The Sous Chef supports the kitchen by overseeing daily culinary operations, ensuring consistency, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance at all times. This role requires engagement with residents to tailor dining options and contribute to a personalized culinary program, enhancing the overall dining experience. The position operates under the guidance of the Executive Chef but may assume leadership responsibilities in their absence, including supervision and coaching of the culinary team. The Sous Chef also assists with purchasing, inventory management, training, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. The schedule for this role is Sunday through Thursday, and the salary range is $22.00 to $24.00 per hour. This role demands flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to the company’s mission and hospitality standards. It offers an opportunity for culinary professionals passionate about senior living and hospitality to contribute meaningfully to a supportive community environment.

Job Requirements

Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Minimum of six (6) months' experience in a professional kitchen or restaurant environment preferred
Experience working in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare food service is a plus
Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
Knowledge of or willingness to learn assisted living and dementia care principles
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and ServSafe Manager Certification
Successful completion of criminal background check and health screenings as required by law
Compliance with vaccination or approved exemption requirements in accordance with applicable regulations

Job Qualifications

Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Culinary or food service education strongly preferred
Minimum of six (6) months' experience in a professional kitchen or restaurant environment preferred
Experience working in senior living, hospitality, or healthcare food service is a plus
Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and utensils
Knowledge of or willingness to learn assisted living and dementia care principles
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and patiently with older adults, including those with cognitive impairment
Strong organizational, time-management, and decision-making skills
Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality
Proficient in basic computer applications (MS Office preferred) and standard office equipment
Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and ServSafe Manager Certification
Successful completion of criminal background check and health screenings as required by law
Compliance with vaccination or approved exemption requirements in accordance with applicable regulations

Job Duties

Uphold and enhance a distinctive dining experience for residents, families, and guests through exceptional menu execution, food quality, presentation, taste, and service
Assist with the planning, preparation, and execution of daily meals, special events, private functions, marketing events, and community celebrations
Prepare meals that are flavorful, visually appealing, and nutritionally appropriate, while accommodating resident preferences and special dietary needs as directed
Engage with residents to understand individual likes and dislikes, contributing to a personalized and elevated culinary program
Prepare, handle, store, and serve food in strict compliance with California Title 22, local health department requirements, ServSafe standards, and Company policies
Ensure proper food temperatures, portion control, and safe food-handling practices are followed consistently
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, storage, and service environment at all times
Promptly report sanitation concerns, safety hazards, or regulatory issues to the Executive Chef
Support the development and implementation of culinary procedures to ensure timely service and operational efficiency
Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, and waste reduction to support budgetary and operational goals
In the absence of the Executive Chef, provide leadership and oversight of culinary team members, ensuring appropriate supervision and adherence to standards
Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and proper storage of food, supplies, and equipment
Participate in training culinary staff on proper food receiving, storage, sanitation, and service standards
Assist, as requested, with hiring, scheduling, training, supervision, performance evaluation, and coaching of culinary team members
Provide input to the Executive Chef regarding performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and staffing needs
Foster a professional, respectful, and collaborative team environment that reflects the community's hospitality-focused culture
Communicate effectively with community leadership, regional teams, and home office partners through professional verbal and written communication
Address residents concern with empathy, discretion, and professionalism, escalating issues appropriately
Participate in daily stand-up meetings and other required department communications
Maintain awareness of each resident as an individual, supporting dignity, respect, and quality of life
Ensure a safe environment for residents, team members, and guests by following all safety protocols, including illness and injury prevention program (IIPP), universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen standards, emergency, evacuation, disaster, and elopement procedures
Report occupational exposures or safety incidents in accordance with Company policy
Complete all required training, in-services, certifications, and meetings in compliance with licensing requirements
Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional shifts as needed
Support community marketing efforts through positive engagement during tours and interactions with prospective residents and families
Accurately complete required documentation and report observed or suspected changes in resident condition as appropriate
Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Title 22
Perform additional duties as assigned to meet operational and resident care needs