Sous Chef - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.


HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Sous Chef is responsible for the day-to-day kitchen operations, people management, and banquet culinary execution at assigned location. This position reports to the Chef/Executive Chef.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, will partner on oversight of kitchen staff including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training and development, mentoring and performance management.
• In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, prepares and executes special events, banquets and themed menus.
• Participates in the execution of administrative functions including but not limited to scheduling and payroll.
• Successfully partners with Front of the House/Catering and Restaurant Management Teams.
• Participates in menu development for restaurants and banquets/catering and commissary operations.
• Responsible for daily operations of full service restaurant, banquets/catering and commissary kitchen including accuracy in product ordering, forecasting and scheduling.
• Develops best practice facility standards and provides guidance and performance expectations to meet DEH standards.
• Ensures proper equipment is in place and functional.
• Responsible for accurate recipe implementation and oversight of inventory activities.
• Monitors inventory levels.
• Ensures highest food safety standards including but not limited to correct food temperatures, conducting safety training, inspections and maintaining documentation to comply with federal, state and local food safety standards.
• Partners with Chef/Executive Chef to forecast labor usage for kitchen operations and food/supply costs.
• Ensures safe working conditions and practices, including high levels of food safety and sanitation.
• Research new products with sustainability and conservation to implement in support of the organization's mission.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Preferred candidate with knowledge of pastry/confections baking

• JOB EXPERIENCE
◦ Must have 1-2 years of prior culinary management experience.
• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
◦ Certification from accredited culinary program or equivalent specialized training required.
• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
◦ Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation.
◦ Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team.
◦ Comfortable with computers and working with Microsoft Office products and ordering systems.
◦ Must be able to understand how to write and to read recipes and custom menus.
◦ Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
◦ Strong working knowledge of food safety rules and regulations.
◦ Knowledge of banquets/catering operations and the overall food profession.
◦ Knowledge of policies and procedures based on the food guidelines and industry best practices.
◦ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment with competing deadlines.


SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Rate: $77,225.60
About The Salary Ranges
Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and com