Benefits:
Employee discounts
Free food & snacks
Free uniforms
Paid time off
Sous Chef – The Head Chef’s Right Hand Grand Rapids, MI | Full-Time | Hourly + Tip Share + Weekend Shift Differential
For the Kitchen-Lover Who Was Born to Cook, Lead, and Teach
Catered Creations is hiring a Sous Chef who lives and breathes the kitchen life. If you thrive in the hustle of a well-run kitchen, naturally keep a fast pace, and can’t imagine doing anything else with your life—this could be the job you've been waiting for.
We’re looking for someone who feels at home in a kitchen—who understands its rhythm, respects the flow, and knows how to keep things moving without breaking a sweat. You’re the kind of person who’s always thinking a few steps ahead, gets satisfaction from a clean and efficient line, and lights up when teaching others how to do things right.
You take full ownership of your prep list, but you’re also the person who jumps in to support teammates when they’re falling behind—without ever letting your own list slide. You lead by example, listen well, teach patiently, and move with the urgency and confidence of someone who just gets how a kitchen works.
This is a full-time, hourly role that includes tip share and an additional $2/hour shift differential on weekend event shifts (Fridays–Sundays). The position also includes daily cleaning and dish responsibilities, because you know a clean kitchen is a productive kitchen.
Our Vision: Restoring True Hospitality
We believe in a future where hospitality is restored to its true heart—where hosts feel at ease, guests feel cared for, and service is delivered with excellence and integrity. In a time when great hospitality is becoming rare, we are committed to bringing it back, one event at a time. If you share our passion for creating meaningful experiences and providing genuine, thoughtful service, we would love to have you on our team.
Who You Are:
A kitchen person through and through – You love the pace, the teamwork, the problem-solving, and the pride of putting out great food.
A listener and a teacher – You don’t just give directions—you explain the why, help others grow, and communicate with respect.
A reliable leader – You coach, correct, and guide with clarity and calmness.
A calm presence in chaos – You stay grounded under pressure and help bring order to the rush.
A team player with follow-through – You complete your own prep list and still find time to support others who are struggling.
What You’ll Do:
Juggle Multiple Orders – Manage oven timing, batch cooking, and hot box packing for multiple jobs.
Lead & Teach – Guide team members on technique, correct in real-time, and model professionalism.
Delegate & Drive Prep – Assign tasks, check progress, and maintain efficiency.
Fire Hot Food for Events – Execute food to perfection for service-ready events.
Help Others Without Falling Behind – Stay accountable to your own work while offering hands-on support to others who need it.
Pitch in on Cleaning & Dishes – Contribute to daily cleaning and dishwashing as part of the team.
Control Inventory & Reduce Waste – Track usage, limit waste, and maximize output.
Communicate Proactively – Solve problems early and keep everyone in the loop.
Lead On-Site Execution – Run back-of-house teams at events with sharp timing and execution.
Support the Head Chef – Help drive solutions, maintain flow, and ensure quality and consistency.
Position Requirements:
✔ Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record. ✔ Experience in a high-volume, off-premise catering kitchen. ✔ Proficient in large-batch cooking and coordinating multiple event orders. ✔ Skilled at packing and transporting food while maintaining temperature and presentation. ✔ Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving ability. ✔ ServSafe certification preferred.
Schedule & Availability:
Prep Shifts – Weekdays, typically 7:30 AM until the day’s work is complete.
Event Shifts – Most Fridays, Saturdays, and some Sundays (generally 10 AM –10 PM).
Client-driven schedule – Flexibility and overtime required based on demand. Hours range from 40-60 per week.
Weekend availability required.
Compensation & Perks
Base Pay: $19–$23/hour, depending on experience, kitchen leadership ability, and pace
Tip Share – Most team members earn an additional $3–$5/hour on average, though tip amounts vary by event and are not guaranteed
$2/hour Weekend Shift Differential – Applied to all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday event shifts
Overtime Pay – Additional hours may be required based on event needs and are paid at time-and-a-half
90-Day Review – Performance, leadership, and growth will be reviewed after 90 days
Holiday Pay – We pay for 6 holidays per year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Holiday Scheduling – We are typically closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Events on those days are only accepted if staff volunteers to work
Paid Vacation – After 1 year of full-time employment, receive 1 week of paid vacation
No Late-Night Restaurant Hours – Enjoy a catering-focused schedule that supports work-life balance
Growth Opportunity – Be a core part of a structured and growing kitchen team with room to lead and make a real impact
Our Core Values
Excellence Under Pressure – We deliver top-tier food and service, no matter the challenge.
Aligned Communication – We’re honest, direct, and clear—before, during, and after every event.
Trustworthy Character – We do what’s right, even when no one’s looking.
Ownership & Initiative – We take action, take pride, and take responsibility.
Client-Focused Service – We think like the client and sweat the details.
If your heart belongs in the kitchen and you’re ready to lead with excellence, jump in where needed, and teach others to do the same—apply now. We’d love to have you help us bring true hospitality back, one event at a time.