Sous Chef/Prep Cook

Corpus Christi, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $18.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

competitive hourly wage

Mileage reimbursement

School-year schedule

Paid training and onboarding

Supportive management team

Opportunity for career growth

Structured operational systems

Job Description

Crave-It Nutrition is a well-established food service company based in Texas, dedicated to providing high-quality and nutritious meals across numerous locations, including schools, childcare centers, and other community institutions. Known for its commitment to scratch-cooking and culinary excellence, Crave-It Nutrition prides itself on elevating the standard of institutional food service beyond the typical expectations by incorporating the skill, care, and artistry found in professional restaurant kitchens. They manage over 65 locations throughout the state, emphasizing sustainable food practices, food safety, and community health. This company operates with a strong regional management team and structured operational systems designed to support kitchen staff and promote career growth within the organization. Their school food service programs provide wholesome meals crafted with attention to detail, dietary restrictions, and local sourcing where possible, ensuring an exceptional dining experience for young students and other community members they serve.

The available role is for a highly skilled Sous Chef to support the Kitchen Manager and Head Chef at St. James Episcopal School in Corpus Christi, TX. This is a unique opportunity for a culinary professional with restaurant experience who wants to bring their expertise into a community-focused environment without the extended hours or high turnover common in traditional restaurant roles. The Sous Chef will have hands-on responsibilities including daily cooking, supervising preparation and service, and stepping into the Head Chef’s role during absences. The role demands a precise execution of menu items using strong knife skills and cooking techniques, as well as leadership to maintain food quality and safety standards across the kitchen.

The position offers a school-year schedule with hours averaging from 7am to 2pm Monday through Friday, fostering a better work-life balance compared to typical hospitality schedules. Compensation is competitive and hourly, commensurate with experience. Additional benefits include mileage reimbursement for grocery and delivery runs, paid training, and onboarding, plus opportunities for professional growth within a Texas-based food service network. This role is ideal for a reliable, detail-oriented individual who thrives on maintaining high culinary standards in a structured yet supportive setting. The Sous Chef will contribute creative ideas to menu development and ensure that all dishes meet consistent quality and presentation standards through every service. Applicants are encouraged to have a strong culinary background with a minimum of 5-7 years in fast-paced, high-quality kitchens along with supervisory experience. The position also requires valid driving credentials for operational errands and a criminal background check for safety compliance.

This is more than just a cooking job; it is a chance to make a meaningful impact by delivering well-crafted, nutritious meals to children in a school setting, ensuring that every plate is prepared with care, skill, and professionalism. Crave-It Nutrition’s mission aligns with values of community support, food education, and operational excellence, providing an enriching work environment where culinary expertise is recognized and nurtured.

Job Requirements

Minimum 5-7 years of professional kitchen experience including time in a high-quality, fast-paced restaurant environment
Strong demonstrated culinary skills including knife work, cooking technique, seasoning, and plating
Experience supervising or leading other cooks
Ability to work efficiently and maintain quality standards under pressure
Reliable personal vehicle and valid driver's license
Reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance
Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check
Willingness to complete Safe Environment Training as required by the Diocese
Current Food Handler or Food Manager's Certificate or ability to obtain prior to start date
Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Job Qualifications

Minimum 5-7 years of professional kitchen experience including time in a high-quality, fast-paced restaurant environment
Strong demonstrated culinary skills including knife work, cooking technique, seasoning, and plating
Experience supervising or leading other cooks
Culinary school training or formal culinary education preferred
Experience in scratch-cooking, menu development, or high-volume production preferred
Experience in school food service, childcare food programs, or institutional cooking preferred
Knowledge of common food allergies and allergen-safe kitchen protocols preferred
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
Current Food Handler or Food Manager's Certificate or ability to obtain prior to start date

Job Duties

Execute daily menu items with precision, consistency, and strong knife and cooking technique
Support menu development alongside the Head Chef, bringing creative ideas for scratch-cooked, high-quality dishes
Maintain food quality standards across every station and every service
Taste, season, and adjust dishes throughout service to ensure consistent quality
Supervise and direct cooks and prep staff during daily production and service
Run the kitchen independently in the Head Chef's absence, including opening/closing procedures
Train kitchen staff on proper techniques, recipes, and food safety standards
Maintain a clean, organized, and fully compliant kitchen in accordance with health codes
Manage prep lists, production timelines, and station setup to ensure smooth, on-time service
Monitor portioning, plating, and presentation standards
Track inventory, assist with ordering, and help minimize food waste
Maintain food safety logs, temperature checks, and receiving documentation
Make grocery store runs as needed to support inventory and last-minute ingredient needs
Transport and deliver prepared meals to satellite school locations as needed