Executive Sous Chef

As the Executive Sous Chef at The Village at Rockville, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily kitchen operations and collaborating with the Executive Chef to design and craft seasonal menus. You’ll inspire your culinary team to create delicious meals, ensuring all dishes meet the high standards expected by our residents. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for managing kitchen staff, maintaining food safety protocols, and tracking food costs to optimize the kitchen's efficiency.

To apply for the Executive Sous Chef position at The Village at Rockville, candidates are required to have a B.S. Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Services Technology, or a related field. Alternatively, an A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts along with additional specialized training is acceptable. You'll also need 3-5 years of relevant culinary experience and a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations.

The Village at Rockville is dedicated to fostering a culture of teamwork and professional development. As an Executive Sous Chef, you will benefit from ongoing training and a supportive environment where you can further develop your culinary skills. The organization also offers additional incentives such as tuition reimbursement of up to $4,000 annually to help you pursue further education and certifications, ensuring continuous growth in your culinary career.

At The Village at Rockville, the work culture as an Executive Sous Chef is characterized by transparency, empowerment, and collaboration. The kitchen staff enjoys a close-knit and inclusive environment where creativity and innovation are highly encouraged. You’ll find a diverse team that values contributions from every individual, making it a vibrant space to work in and to foster lasting relationships with both colleagues and residents.

As a full-time Executive Sous Chef at The Village at Rockville, you will enjoy a variety of attractive benefits including a competitive salary in the range of $65,000 to $77,000, next day pay options, up to $4,000 annually for tuition reimbursement, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. You will also receive generous paid time off, a 403(B) retirement plan with employer matching, comprehensive health insurance options, and additional perks like discounted meals and a pet insurance plan.

When answering this question, emphasize your methodical approach to menu planning, including how you incorporate seasonal ingredients and cater to diverse dietary needs. Highlight any past experiences where your menu planning resulted in a positive dining experience and improved customer satisfaction.

In your response, focus on your conflict resolution skills. Use examples from past experiences that demonstrate your ability to foster open communication, mediate disputes, and maintain team harmony, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in a kitchen setting.

Illustrate your leadership skills by discussing a specific high-pressure event you managed, detailing how you delegated tasks, maintained quality, and ensured timely service. Share the outcome and any lessons learned, showcasing your ability to thrive under pressure.

Provide insight into your understanding of food safety regulations and your systematic approach to maintaining sanitation and quality. Discuss any specific protocols, checklists, or training programs you've implemented in the past.

Emphasize your commitment to ongoing professional development. Discuss the resources you utilize, such as attending culinary workshops, participating in food exhibitions, or following industry publications to stay informed about the latest culinary trends and techniques.

Be sure to articulate your leadership style clearly, whether it's collaborative, hands-on, or empowering. Share examples that showcase how your approach has positively impacted your team’s performance and morale.

Discuss your approach to managing food costs, including the importance of budget planning, portion control, and supplier negotiations. Share real experiences where your cost-control measures led to financial efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Explain your organizational skills and your ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Share strategies you use, such as creating timelines, delegating responsibilities, and anticipating peak workflow times to ensure smooth operations.

In your response, emphasize the importance of inclusivity in food offerings. Share strategies you have implemented to create menus that consider vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary restrictions while still crafting flavorful and appealing dishes.

This is your chance to showcase your passion for community engagement and quality food. Discuss how The Village at Rockville's mission aligns with your culinary philosophy and your desire to create memorable dining experiences for residents.