Executive Sous Chef

Givens Estates - Asheville, NC

Why join Givens? Givens Communities continues to be a positive force and advocate for older adults.  We have a mission to expand the possibilities of aging by improving lives through communities, services, and outreach.  Givens Communities promotes Diversity and Belonging by aligning our words with actions so that everyone is welcomed and treated with dignity and respect.  We continuously look for innovative approaches to achieve our sustainability goals and practices to protect our natural resources.  Our collective mindset is to ensure the communities remain forward thinking and progressive as our residents seek a purpose driven life. Purpose. Passion. Possibilities.

What you'll get

• Three major medical health insurance plans to choose from with dental and vision coverage at no additional cost (Free basic coverage for full-time team members!)
• Free short-term disability, life insurance, & access to our employee assistance program
• On-sight meal & uniform allowances
• Paid time off (PTO) w/ immediate access to 5 PTO days before your 90 days!
• Referral bonus program
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% matching
• Educational assistance & professional development opportunities
• Flexible spending account (FSA) & access to AFLAC & Prudential Life insurance products
• Fast-growing nonprofit with tons of advancement opportunities
• Plus so much more! 

The Dining Services Department at Givens Estates, a continuing care retirement community in Asheville, is searching for a full-time Executive Sous Chef to join our knowledgeable and supportive culinary team. This role offers a unique opportunity to bring your culinary expertise, leadership skills, and creativity to life while supporting seamless operations across our venues. As an Executive Sous Chef, you'll directly impact the dining experience of our residents and guests, while aiding the professional growth of our culinary team in a meaningful and rewarding way.

What you'll do:

• Operational Leadership:
  • Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily culinary operations across three venues
  • Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and team morale
  • Coordinate with venue-specific teams to uphold consistent quality and brand standards
• Menu Development:
  • Collaborate on innovative, seasonal menus aligned with venue concepts
  • Incorporate locally sourced ingredients and balance creativity with cost-efficiency
  • Develop and test recipes for consistency and scalability
• Quality Assurance:
  • Maintain food quality, safety, and sanitation in compliance with health regulations
  • Conduct regular kitchen inspections and implement improvements
• Team Management:
  • Train, develop, and evaluate culinary staff to meet organizational standards
  • Create schedules and delegate responsibilities to ensure smooth operations
  • Foster a positive and collaborative team culture
• Inventory and Cost Control:
  • Manage food inventory to maintain proper stock levels and minimize waste
  • Monitor food and labor costs to meet financial targets
  • Collaborate with procurement to source high-quality ingredients at optimal prices
• Event Coordination:
  • Work with the events team to execute private functions and special events
  • Ensure excellence in multi-venue catering operations
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Serve as a liaison between kitchen staff and front-of-house teams for seamless service
  • Represent the culinary team in the absence of the Executive Chef

 What You'll Need:

• Proven experience as an Executive Sous Chef or similar role in a multi-venue operation
• Experience working as a Sous Chef in at least 3 different venues
• Management experience, supervising a team of 10 or more people
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
• Expertise in diverse culinary techniques and cuisines
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Compensation is $26.00 - $28.00 based on experience, plus our great benefits!

Still curious about what Givens is all about? It's kind of a long story, but at our core, we're a senior housing organization with a lot of heart and committed to providing housing to seniors of all socioeconomic backgrounds across WNC. We already have four communities (two life plan communities and two affordable communities) with plans for many more in the coming years.