Sous Chef University Portland

Portland, OR, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $62,000.00 - $72,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job Description

Bon Appetit Management Company is a leading restaurant company specializing in contract food service. With a deep dedication to culinary excellence and outstanding service, Bon Appetit stands out by empowering its chefs and managers to innovate and create without relying on corporate recipe books or central commissaries. This unique approach fosters creativity and allows culinary professionals to integrate current food trends and cutting-edge dishes into their menus. The company is committed to growth, encouraging its team to learn continually, take risks, and deliver memorable dining experiences. Bon Appetit operates across a wide array of accounts, creating a wealth of exciting career opportunities for culinary experts passionate about food and service excellence.

The Sous Chef I position at University Portland offers an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within this innovative culinary environment. With a salary range of $62,000 to $72,000, this full-time role focuses on supporting and enhancing the food program's overall success and overseeing daily culinary operations. As a Sous Chef, you will assist in all facets of menu planning, ordering, inventory management, and food preparation tailored to meet the client’s culture and expectations. You will uphold the highest food quality standards while ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations.

In this role, leadership and team-building are essential as you motivate, train, and develop back-of-house staff to deliver consistently outstanding dining experiences. The position involves active participation in food preparation, execution of new culinary programs, managing food and labor costs, conducting safety meetings, and ensuring strict sanitation and safety compliance. Additionally, the Sous Chef I will oversee catering events, supervise kitchen staff workflow, schedule operations, and maintain all necessary documentation related to food production and safety.

Bon Appetit offers a collaborative workplace where culinary professionals have the autonomy to create diverse menus and innovate boldly. This role suits experienced chefs who thrive in fast-paced environments, have a strong grasp of culinary trends, and excel in operational leadership. Joining Bon Appetit means becoming part of a supportive community backed by Compass Group USA, where professional growth, excellent benefits, and a passion for exceptional food are celebrated.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of related culinary experience
at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role
experience in high-volume food service environments
knowledge of food trends and cost control practices
ability to manage inventory and ordering
strong leadership and coaching skills
certification such as ServSafe or Department of Health preferred
basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office
ability to perform physical tasks related to kitchen operations

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of related culinary experience, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role
experience in high-volume environments such as restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, healthcare, or similar food service operations
strong knowledge of current food trends, quality standards, production, sanitation, safety, and cost control practices
proven leadership skills with the ability to train, coach, and develop team members
experience with inventory management, ordering, and food cost analysis
ability to accurately price menu items to achieve targeted food cost percentages
strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment
ServSafe or Department of Health certification preferred
basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel)
associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred

Job Duties

Assist in coordinating and actively participating in the preparation and cooking of a variety of food items
support menu planning and development, including daily offerings and weekly specials
execute and support new culinary programs in collaboration with marketing and culinary teams
properly forecast, manage ordering, and maintain accurate inventory levels
assist in managing food and labor costs, including waste reduction and pricing menu items to meet food cost targets
plan and execute catering events with minimal supervision
ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and food handling standards at all times