Sous Chef in Newton, Massachusetts at 2LIFE COMMUNITIES
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Job Description
2Life Communities has been at the heart of positive change in the affordable senior housing ecosystem since 1965. We develop, manage, and advocate for high-quality, affordable housing and services that support aging in community, helping older adults and their families enjoy stability, dignity, and peace of mind. Our mission is to ensure that every older adult has the opportunity to live a full life of connection and purpose in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Position Summary
The Sous Chef supports the Chef de Cuisine and Director of Food & Beverage in the daily operation of the Opus kitchen, helping deliver an exceptional dining experience for residents, guests, and catered events. Working across daily resident dining, catering, and special events, the Sous Chef helps execute both the cycle/specials menu and the everyday menu to consistent quality on a batch-cook-and-hold line. This role assists with food preparation, supervises and develops kitchen staff, ensures food quality and safety standards are met, and helps maintain efficient kitchen operations. The Sous Chef serves as a hands-on leader who promotes teamwork, consistency, and excellence in every meal.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist the Chef de Cuisine and Director of Food & Beverage with the daily operation of the kitchen.
- Train, coach, and develop kitchen staff to execute standardized recipes consistently, with correct portions, presentation, and food-safety practices.
- Prepare, cook, and oversee the production of high-quality meals following standardized recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
- Supervise and support cooks and other kitchen team members during daily meal service.
- Prepare and adapt menu items to meet residents' dietary needs, including texture-modified, allergen-conscious, and other therapeutic requirements.
- Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served in accordance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
- Monitor food quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, and maintaining food and kitchen inventory, managing inventory levels and minimizing food waste.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
- Assist with menu execution, special dining events, catering functions, and resident programs.
- Collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on daily production schedules and kitchen workflow.
- Help coordinate staff assignments to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
- Support the Chef de Cuisine in maintaining equipment, reporting maintenance needs, and ensuring the kitchen operates safely.
- Step into a leadership role during the Chef de Cuisine's absence to help ensure smooth kitchen operations.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative team culture.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of professional culinary experience, with at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory kitchen role.
- Experience in senior living, hospitality, healthcare, hotels, restaurants, or country clubs preferred; not required.
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required, or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
- Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
- Familiarity with resident or patient dietary needs, including texture-modified, allergen-conscious, and therapeutic diets, preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and work in varying kitchen temperatures.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
We don’t just offer a job; we invest in your entire life. Our "Total Rewards" package adds an extra 27% to 30%+ in value on top of your base salary.
Comprehensive Health: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for you and your family.
Future-Proofing: 401(k) retirement planning and employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Disability insurance (Short & Long Term).
Rest & Recharge: Generous paid vacation, official holidays, plus 2 floating holidays to use whenever you need a break.
Family-Friendly: Inclusion for your "+1" and dependents, plus Pet Insurance for your furry family members.
The above statements intend to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to do this job. The above does not intend to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
We desire to build and cultivate an environment that brings together an exceptional workforce with unique experiences, backgrounds, talents, and perspectives.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.