Sous Chef

Madison, WI, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $46,700.00 - $63,100.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

competitive daily rate

Travel covered

room and board covered

Uniforms covered

Training covered

Job Description

American Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, renowned for delivering exceptional small-ship cruising experiences along America’s most iconic rivers. Specializing in intimate voyages aboard modern riverboats and classic paddlewheelers that carry no more than 200 guests, American Cruise Lines offers an exclusive and personalized travel experience. Their continuously expanding fleet of newly constructed vessels showcases a commitment to excellence, innovation, and authentic regional exploration. This emphasis on quality and authenticity extends into every aspect of the guest experience, notably the culinary offerings. Exceptional cuisine aboard American Cruise Lines is crafted by highly skilled chefs, many of whom have trained at some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The menus are inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of America’s river regions.

The role of Sous Chef on American Cruise Lines is integral to maintaining and enhancing the culinary standards for which the line is known. As a Sous Chef, you will work directly with the Executive Chef to design and produce diversified menus that showcase fresh ingredients and regional flavors. Your duties will include overseeing the culinary team’s preparations of café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres offerings, ensuring these are as delicious and visually appealing as the main restaurant fare. You will be responsible for maintaining consistency in quality across all food served on the vessel, upholding the highest standards in food safety and hygiene, and managing kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and excellence. This full-time, exempt position requires working onboard the ship seven days per week for periods of six to eight weeks, followed by one to two weeks off. The physical demands of the job include the ability to perform in a moving ship environment and undertake tasks such as lifting, standing for long periods, and navigating ship hatches.

American Cruise Lines values optimism, commitment, patriotism, and merit, which together shape the company culture and the service delivered to guests. As a Sous Chef, you will embody these values as you contribute to sharing America’s story through its finest culinary experiences. In addition to competitive daily compensation, the company provides comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, and covered expenses such as travel, room and board, uniforms, and training. This position is ideal for a culinary professional with at least three years of relevant experience seeking a unique opportunity to develop their skills while contributing to a distinguished, guest-centered travel experience.

Job Requirements

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
Familiar with food safety standards
Must possess problem solving skills
Must be self-motivated
Must be organized
Must be an effective leader
Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
Complete criminal background check
Training and teaching experience
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation

Job Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship
ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred
Familiar with food safety standards
Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization
An effective leader who can effectively control time management
Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
Complete criminal background check
Training and teaching experience
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation

Job Duties

Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients
Work directly overseeing the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres food, maintaining high guest scores in these areas
Ensure the same level of world class culinary skill and presentation served in the main restaurant is consistent with all food served throughout the ship
Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently
Produce high quality dishes that follow the established menu choices
Adhere to all guest dietary requests
Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours
Make sure that the hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation
Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible
Enforce food and safety standards