Sous Chef - La Jolla

UC San Diego Health is a renowned academic health system located in the San Diego region, offering cutting-edge care through its diverse facilities which include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the region's only Burn Center, and numerous outpatient clinics. The organization is dedicated to excellence in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. As part of its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, UC San Diego values individuals from all backgrounds and encourages applicants with the relevant skills, qualifications, and certifications to apply. Employment here is part of a vibrant, supportive environment aligned with UC San Diego's Principles of Community, emphasizing respect, integrity, and professionalism.

This career opportunity is for the position of Sous Chef within La Jolla Nutritional Services, part of UC San Diego Health. The Sous Chef plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Chef by delivering safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals across varied hospital and healthcare settings. This role is based in La Jolla and is a full-time appointment with a pay range from $60,300 to $82,100 annually, representing a competitive salary package reflective of experience, qualifications, and market standards. This position operates on variable 8-hour shifts, which require flexibility and adaptability in scheduling.

The Sous Chef position is integral not only to culinary operations but also to ensuring compliance with therapeutic dietary requirements, food safety, and regulatory standards in a healthcare environment. Responsibilities include planning and preparing menus tailored for patients, retail outlets, and catering services while maintaining strict adherence to nutritional guidelines and portion controls. The candidate will ensure food production meets consistency, presentation, and taste expectations and will step into the Executive Chef role when needed, demonstrating leadership and operational capability.

Therapeutic diet oversight forms a significant component of this role, requiring collaboration with registered dietitians and clinical teams to ensure diet accuracy and strict allergen management. Compliance with food safety regulations, such as HACCP and ServSafe, along with health care specific standards like those from the Joint Commission and CMS, are essential. The Sous Chef will be responsible for monitoring food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature control logs, participating in audits, inspections, and corrective actions.

Leadership and staff development are key elements, including supervising kitchen staff, training, mentoring, scheduling, and promoting a professional, patient-centered culture. The role demands expertise in inventory management and cost control, including ordering, receiving, food waste monitoring, and adherence to production standards to ensure operational efficiency.

Ideal candidates will have extensive culinary experience, preferably in healthcare or high-volume settings, relevant certifications or a commitment to obtain them within one year, strong knowledge of therapeutic diets, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills are fundamental, alongside computer proficiency and effective time management. Preferred qualifications include experience in hospital or long-term care environments, familiarity with electronic meal ordering systems, and the ability to lead teams under pressure with calmness and precision.

UC San Diego Health is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a smoke-free and drug-free workplace, requiring compliance with vaccination policies and background checks. This role aligns with the organization's mission to provide exceptional healthcare and advance scientific knowledge while supporting the growth and development of its workforce. Joining this team offers the chance to contribute to an impactful, dynamic healthcare environment where culinary expertise directly enhances patient wellness and care quality.