SOUS CHEF I - UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY - LEXINGTON,

Compass Group USA is a leading foodservice and support services company renowned for its exceptional people, comprehensive service, and outstanding results. Operating across all 50 states, Compass Group serves a diverse range of environments including award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more. With a dedicated workforce of over 284,000 associates in the United States alone, Compass Group is committed to shaping the foodservice industry through innovation, quality, and sustainability. The company prides itself on fostering a culture where every individual’s contribution is valued, encouraging creativity and excellence to meet evolving customer and client needs.

The role of Sous Chef I at Compass Group is a dynamic and integral position within the culinary team, focusing on the overall success of the food program and managing culinary functions in alignment with the company's high standards. This employment opportunity is vital to maintaining the culinary excellence and operational efficiency Compass Group is known for. The Sous Chef I supports various aspects of kitchen operations, including planning, ordering, inventory management, and food preparation. They ensure compliance with client-specific culture and guidelines, uphold Health Department regulations, and consistently meet Compass Group’s standards for food quality, freshness, and presentation.

As a leader in the kitchen, the Sous Chef I motivates, trains, and develops back-of-house associates, fostering a team environment that aligns with the organization’s objectives and customer satisfaction goals. This position plays a critical role in menu creation, launching new culinary programs, and managing food cost controls. The Sous Chef I works closely with marketing and culinary teams to introduce innovative menu items and culinary programs, helping to enhance the guest experience and maintain the company’s reputation for quality.

The ideal candidate brings at least five years of relevant culinary experience and has a broad understanding of food and industry trends, focusing on quality, production, sanitation, safety, and cost management. They possess leadership, supervisory, and coaching skills necessary to manage a team effectively. Preferred qualifications include certifications such as ServSafe or Department of Health, and an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, along with solid computer skills, especially proficiency in MS Office and Excel.

Compass Group offers a variety of outstanding benefits to support the well-being and career growth of its associates, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, among others. The company is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a fair hiring process free of discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected classifications. Compass Group also values workplace safety, maintaining a drug-free environment, and provides ongoing training and support to help associates succeed in their roles.

Joining Compass Group as a Sous Chef I presents an exciting opportunity to be part of a family of companies dedicated to delivering great food and service while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional development. This role is perfect for culinary professionals eager to contribute their expertise to a nationally recognized leader in foodservice operations, benefiting from comprehensive training and advancement opportunities.