Sous Chef - Opening Team

As a Sous Chef at Level99, your primary responsibilities will include planning, preparing, and executing daily service, overseeing food quality and consistency, managing inventory and ordering, and mentoring new staff. You'll play a crucial role in dynamic kitchen operations while ensuring smooth execution of large-scale catered events.

To apply for the Sous Chef position at Level99, you should have a high school education or equivalent, 2 years of management experience, and at least 1 year of line cooking experience. Additionally, excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential attributes.

While catering experience is desirable for the Sous Chef role at Level99, it is not strictly necessary. We are looking for a candidate with a passion for learning and a strong culinary foundation, and the ability to adapt to new challenges in our scratch kitchen environment.

At Level99, the working environment is energetic, fast-paced, and collaborative. Our Sous Chef will interact with a diverse team, participate in high-volume dinners and catered events, and bring a positive, joyful attitude to the kitchen, contributing to our mission of creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Level99 is committed to the growth of its Sous Chef team members by providing hands-on training, opportunities for skill development, and one-on-one mentorship with our Chef de Cuisine. We encourage creativity and innovation in cooking methods and recipes, fostering an environment of continual learning and professional development.

In answering this question, showcase your specific experience with daily operations, such as inventory management, scheduling, and food quality control. Discuss how you’ve implemented successful processes in past roles and the outcomes of your management decisions.

Explain your methods for maintaining food quality under pressure, such as training staff on recipes, regular taste testing, and effective use of checklists. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in the past.

Discuss your experience with budgeting, recipe costing, and inventory management. Be sure to give specific examples of strategies you’ve used to reduce waste and maintain profitability without sacrificing quality.

In your response, emphasize your communication and problem-solving skills. Provide an example of a past conflict that you helped resolve, focusing on how you listened to all parties involved and worked towards a collaborative resolution.

Showcase your creativity and understanding of Level99’s audience by suggesting menu items that align with the scratch cooking theme. Discuss how you would also incorporate local ingredients and seasonal offerings into the menu for freshness.

Outline your understanding of health and safety codes, as well as specific practices you use to ensure cleanliness and food safety. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, such as ServSafe, and discuss how you train staff to adhere to these practices.

Provide a specific example from your past roles where you faced unexpected changes, whether it was menu changes or staffing shortages. Focus on your adaptability and how you maintained operations smoothly despite the challenges.

Discuss your passion for cooking and how working in a fast-paced environment fuels your creativity and energy. Mention your commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience and how that drives your motivation on the job.

In your answer, explain your mentorship approach, detailing how you assess skill levels and provide guidance. Share examples of training activities you've developed and the positive impacts they had on staff performance.

Highlight your planning and organizational skills by discussing key aspects like timeline management, staffing assignments, and ensuring quality control. Provide an example of a successful event you organized to illustrate your thorough approach.