Starling at Nocatee Independent Living is seeking a creative and innovative chef to lead our team!

** POSITION SUMMARY**

We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and creative Sous Chef to join our dynamic kitchen team. Responsible for the overall operation of the Culinary Services Department and for meeting or exceeding the hospitality and service standards.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love creating memorable dining experiences, and are ready to take your culinary career to the next level, we want to hear from you!

** ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Develops and implements food services policies, procedures, and job descriptions.
• Plans menus and menu cycles according to cultural and regional food preferences, and resident dietary guidelines. Adjusts recipes to appropriate yield.
• Develops food services budgets and monitors adherence to the budget. Initiates corrective action when food services costs deviate from the budget.
• Monitors the quality and consistency of the food to include food temperatures, portion control, palatability and attractiveness of food, and implements changes to ensure quality according to established standards.
• Inventories food items monthly.
• Actively involved prepping and cooking with the team.
• Receives and validates all food deliveries against order form.
• Establish and maintain an accurate system for the tracking of meals served.
• Negotiates and signs food service agreements with vendors.
• Monitors and corrects safety and sanitation procedures in the kitchen.
• Interacts with residents during meal times to monitor resident satisfaction or complaints about food service.
• Standardizes recipes and tests new products in meal service.
• Selects, schedules, and conducts orientation and in-service educational programs for personnel.
• Attends education and training sessions to improve knowledge and skills as a Food Service Manager.
• Prepares departmental budget. Monitors monthly expenditures to include explanation of significant variances to ensure compliance with budget.
• Assists other departments to ensure an organized and uniform system of services to residents.
• Evaluates and recommends equipment purchases according to established procedures.
• Prepares departmental objectives based on sound financial analysis, keeps work records and schedules, prepares department budgets, requisitions supplies, monitors inventory and establishes appropriate controls.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED

• 1-2 years of related culinary experience in a food service environment with proven experience with references as a sous chef or lead cook.
• Passion for food and hospitality in a senior living environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure and handle multiple tasks
• Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation.
• Must have successfully completed food safety training, ServSafe, & Food Handler Certification.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive and growth-oriented team environment
• Opportunities for advancement
• Creative freedom in menu design
• Access to premium ingredients and modern kitchen tools