Sous Chef

Constellation is a premier catering and dining services brand operating under the umbrella of Elior North America, a company well-regarded for its commitment to quality and hospitality across the United States. With a focus on providing exceptional business dining experiences, Constellation caters to a diverse array of venues including retail spaces and office buildings. The company is driven by its mission to foster connections through food and exceptional service, creating memorable dining experiences for clients and customers alike. Known for maintaining high standards of culinary excellence and operational efficiency, Constellation is an esteemed leader in the dining and events segment, especially within the Pennsylvania region.

Elior North America, the parent company of Constellation, is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and the continuous development of its workforce. Their supportive work culture encourages growth and advancement opportunities for employees at all levels and values the skills gained throughout their careers. Elior North America promotes an environment of respect, collaboration, and professional advancement, making it an attractive place to build a culinary career.

This full-time, onsite position located in Philadelphia, PA, offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 depending on experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being. The role of Sous Chef within Constellation's Culinary Group is an exciting opportunity for a skilled culinary professional experienced in high-volume catering environments. As a Sous Chef, you will lead a talented team of foodservice professionals operating out of a high-end, high-volume catering commissary that services multiple venues. This role is ideal for an individual with strong leadership skills and a background in catering, where planning, production, and quality control are paramount.

The Sous Chef will be responsible for developing menus that align with consumer preferences, nutritional requirements, ease of preparation, and budgetary constraints. You will participate in menu planning activities, including product specification, recipe testing, and continuous menu development to ensure innovative, appealing offerings. Maintaining rigorous standards of safety, sanitation, and corporate compliance falls under your management scope, ensuring that every dish prepared meets the highest quality expectations.

Daily, you will direct, supervise, and actively participate in food preparation and production tasks, ensuring raw materials and finished products meet quality standards. Routine inspections of kitchen and service areas, along with equipment and staff appearance, will help sustain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment. You will manage inventory controls for food, supplies, and equipment while controlling expenses to meet financial goals.

A crucial aspect of this role involves staff management, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, and supervising team members to foster a cooperative and high-performing kitchen culture. Operational leadership will also include enforcing Constellation's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in production and inventory management while ensuring top-tier customer service is consistently delivered.

Candidates thriving in this role will have at least three years of catering experience along with demonstrated culinary skills in large quantity production environments such as hotels or restaurants. Proven culinary management experience of three to five years is essential, complemented by strong verbal and written communication abilities and a successful record of cost control and budget management. A Culinary Arts degree from a recognized institution or equivalent training and experience is preferred, though not mandatory.

This position offers an enriching work environment within a leading catering company that values culinary excellence and employee growth. The benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, voluntary insurance options, discount programs, commuter benefits, comprehensive employee assistance programs, 401(k) plans, paid time off including sick and holiday pay, and tuition reimbursement for full-time employees. If you are passionate about culinary arts and ready to lead in a fast-paced catering setting, this role offers the challenge and reward you are looking for.