Sous Chef

POSITION REPORTS TO:         Executive Chef

POSITION MANAGES:             Seasonal Staff

POSITION LOCATION:             100% onsite

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts seeks a Sous Chef to work directly with Executive Chef on achieving our Food and Beverage Department’s mission of providing exceptional quality of food, presentation and service which are done within strict budgets. Sous Chef will assist with managing all aspects of the kitchen operation including preparation and serving of food; managing food and labor costs; management of seasonal staff; and ensure sanitation and food standards are achieved.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Executive Chef with ordering and preparing food for Wolf Trap Foundation meetings, major donor, corporate, associates events, Donor Lounges, The Barns Concessions, Green Room Catering, & Filene Center Concessions.
• Provide training & support to concessions food operations during the Filene Center and The Barns at Wolf Trap seasons.
• Exercise creativity and good judgment in designing and preparing new and diverse seasonal dishes and menus that appeal to a wide variety of tastes and are within budget; determine appropriate substitutions when needed.
• Recommend and execute ways to improve kitchen processes and procedures, the level of service, and product quality.
• Assist with set up and cleanup of food service meetings and events.
• Interact with guests at Foundation special events and at Encore Circle Lounge to provide sense of hospitality and get feedback from guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Inventory/Budget/Safety and Sanitation

• Manage kitchen operations in an efficient and timely manner and determine appropriate procedures and practices to ensure compliance with all sanitation regulation and safety standards.
• Track and record inventory; exercise discretion in placing food and supply orders; coordinate process of receiving and stocking orders; assist with pick up of food and supplies from local vendors as needed.
• Manage annual food budget of   Donor Lounges; select vendors; process invoices.
• Oversee maintenance of kitchen facilities by ensuring proper sanitation and cleaning methods, proper storage of equipment and supplies, sweeping and mopping of kitchen floors, and dishwashing. 
• Monitor and enforce proper food handling safety and sanitation in accordance with all local and federal laws.
• Operate and maintain all department equipment; schedule service of equipment in a timely manner.

Management

• Collaborate with Executive Chef to forecast and make recommendations regarding seasonal staffing needs.
• Manage kitchen staff to ensure excellent quality, food production and presentation of all food.
• Manage utility staff to ensure proper procedures of using equipment and chemicals.
• Screen candidates, schedule interviews and make recommendations to Executive Chef regarding hiring decisions.
• Train kitchen staff on standards/procedures for food preparation, sanitation and food safety; ensure staff adheres to procedures, safety and standards.
• Schedule staff and direct food preparation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Two (2) years Professional Culinary School Education preferred or five (5) years’ work experience with minimum two (2) years previous Sous Chef position and two (2) years management experience.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in high volume catering operation.
• Northern Virginia Food Manager License preferred; or ability to attain license within sixty (60) days of hiring date.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Passion for food and creating new and unique dishes; high level of creativity and reliability.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong initiative and energy to get the job done and work well independently.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks and prioritize appropriately.
• Must have a professional attitude, courteous manner and adhere to the proper protocol when addressing and interacting with Foundation staff, Board of Directors and donors.
• Proficiency in computers and appropriate software, including Microsoft 360.
• Ability to work flexible/long hours, occasional weekends and holidays.
• Sensitivity and commitment to the mission of Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment (i.e. calculator, copier, printer, etc.).
• Regularly required to walk, stoop, bend and reach with arms.
• Lift/move up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time.
• Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, reach, cut, mix, etc.
• Continual use of manual dexterity and gross motor skills with frequent use of bi-manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Ability to taste and smell.
• Vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment that embraces and encourages different perspectives. We work to reflect and be representative of the communities in which we serve and in which we reside. Qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who need assistance or an accommodation in our job application processes should contact [email protected].  An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a background check.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. We offer an outstanding benefits package that includes fully-paid medical and dental premiums for employees and their dependents, 20 paid holidays, generous Annual/Sick/Personal Leave, 403(b) match, flexible work hours and more.