Sous Chef (10008050)

The Catering Sous Chef for Vanderbilt Catering & Events will be responsible for day-to-day kitchen
operations within the catering division. This position will oversee kitchen activities including food preparation, food presentation, menu
planning, execution, and culinary excellence. This position will cover shifts and act as unit manager. Reporting directly to the Executive
Chef of Catering, this position is responsible for assisting in supervising staff and plays a large role in supporting productive employee
relationships which embrace sustainability and influence a positive team environment.

About Vanderbilt Catering & Events
and Campus Dining Department:

Vanderbilt Catering delivers the excellence expected from Vanderbilt University. As a
division of Vanderbilt Enterprises, we are engaged with our campus community. Whether the function is a continental breakfast for ten, a
buffet for one hundred or a gala dinner for one thousand, Vanderbilt Catering will provide the caliber of food and distinction of service
the University expects from its on-campus caterer. As the preferred caterer of the Chancellor’s office and much of the university, attention
to detail, creativity and excellence are expected.

On average, the Catering department services 1400 events annually. Event breakdown
is roughly 30% buffet, 25% reception, 25% Meeting Break, and 20% Boxed Meal and Continental Breakfast. 20-25% of events require custom
menus.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Provide leadership and direction to encourage and
  maintain a positive and collaborative working environment that promotes efficient and effective operations and provide exceptional customer
  service
  • Responsible for opening and closing operations according to expectations of the management team
  • Train the staff in
    proper cooking techniques and presentation
  • Oversee staffing in operation and redirect labor as needed
  • Maintain high-level
    product knowledge by taking initiative in acquiring education to train, coach, and develop direct reports
  • Promote sustainability
    efforts
  
  
• Manage and supervise operational processes and procedures by evaluating and clarifying process expectations while
  supporting the sustainability efforts of Vanderbilt University
  • Order food, beverages, dry goods and other supplies, while maintaining
    unit budgetary guidelines.
  • Manage, train and evaluate assigned culinary/kitchen staff including union employees
  • Menu
    writing, development and planning
  • Ensure the proper storage of food and supplies
  • Complete a monthly inventory of goods and
    assist the chef in monitoring food cost
  • Encourages creative approaches to improved financial viability including cost reduction
    initiatives and other related efforts
  • Ensure food is properly dated and labeled in coolers and storage areas
  
  

• Ensure performance expectations and work rules are clearly communicated and implemented by leading, coaching and mentoring to
  promote a culture of stewardship, high performance and growth
  • Plan ahead to best manage and communicate information at
    line-ups.
  • Maintain a safe work environment by modeling, enforcing, and communicating all safety standards
  • Delegate tasks to
    employees as necessary
  • Ensure uniform compliance and professional appearance of staff members
  • Serve as link between staff
    and management to communicate concerns and ideas
  • Manage escalating employee conduct issues
  • Provide on-going coaching and
    performance feedback to staff members
  
  

• Manage workstations by evaluating and coaching employees to ensure proper
  processes and procedures are being met to ensure that quality standard internal controls are being practiced
  • Supervise the sanitation
    of workstations including floor care, worktables, walls, hoods, refrigerators, equipment and utensils
  • Confirm staff complete daily
    temperature logs and cleaning lists
  
  

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has direct
supervisory responsibility over hourly food service employees; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive
Catering Chef

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate’s degree
  from an accredited higher education institution with specialized training in Culinary Arts is preferred.
• 1 year of related culinary
  management and experience in developing a quality food program in a restaurant or hospitality environment is preferred.
• ServSafe
  Manager certification within 30 days of hire is necessary.
• AllerTrain U certification within 30 days of hire is
  necessary.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems and applications is necessary.
• Basic computer skills and an ability to
  work in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel) is necessary.
• Strong communication (verbal, written, interpersonal)
  skills and an ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population is necessary.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines and
  manage competing priorities is necessary.
• Operational knowledge of industrial kitchen equipment (dishwasher, oven, ventilation
  systems, etc.) is necessary.
• Strong time management, organizational and multi-tasking skills and an eye for detail is
  necessary.
• Manage people, maintain confidentiality and be accountable for Vanderbilt assets is necessary.

Required
Skills

• Cooking – VU
• Cost Control – VU
• Customer Support – VU
• Dietary Restriction Management –
  VU
• Food Quality Assurance And Control – VU
• Inventory Control – VU
• Inventory Management System – VU
• Kitchen Management – VU
• Process Improvement – VU
• Sanitation – VU
• Service Improvement – VU

About Us

At Vanderbilt University ,
our work – regardless of title or role – is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in
advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well
as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested
in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We
want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an
equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by
law.

Job Info

• Job Identification 10008050
• Posting Date 03/23/2026, 09:40 AM
• Locations
  Nashville, TN, United States (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Category University Operations
• Job
  Function Dining Services
• Management Level Management 1

Tagged as: Employment