Executive Sous Chef

What You’ll Do

As a culinary leader in a high-volume production kitchen, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our meals consistently meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and flavor. You will be hands-on in recipe execution, team training, and continuous process improvements while maintaining strict food safety compliance. Your expertise will help us deliver premium, chef-prepared meals to our customers, every single time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and uphold product quality and food safety standards within a mass-production kitchen environment

• Oversee execution of new recipes, providing training and guidance to kitchen staff while improving existing offerings

• Implement and optimize process controls to ensure consistency and efficiency

• Validate flavor, appearance, and overall performance of every meal leaving our facility

• Guide and train kitchen staff throughout all production phases: pre-op, cooking, assembly, cooling, and more

• Enforce gold-standard food quality and safety protocols

• Apply in-depth knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA guidelines to maintain regulatory compliance

• Collaborate with the Corporate Executive Chef and R&D teams to enhance product quality and streamline processes

• Investigate and resolve product quality issues and customer complaints tied to kitchen operations

• Supervise culinary staff and assist with food production as needed

• Maintain labor productivity, manage food and payroll costs, and ensure profitability

• Prepare weekly cook schedules and oversee payroll with support from HR

• Oversee staff development, safety, sanitation, menu execution, and kitchen operations

• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for kitchen staff

• Manage inventory control and ensure kitchen security, including equipment and supplies

• Act as the kitchen lead in the absence of the Executive Chef

• Maintain high standards for food preparation, presentation, taste, and consistency

• Coordinate maintenance and upkeep of all kitchen equipment

• Monitor food presentation and ensure readiness before production deadlines

Who You Are

You bring more than culinary skill—you bring curiosity, creativity, and a drive to lead and improve. You thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, where passion meets purpose and quality is non-negotiable.

• Curious – You ask “why” and seek better ways to do things

• Passionate – You care deeply about food, nutrition, and innovation

• Resilient – You bounce back quickly from setbacks with a positive attitude

• Hands-on – You’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the work

• Transparent – You value honesty and open communication

• Communicative & Collaborative – Strong interpersonal and team-building skills

• Nutrition-Savvy – Passionate about staying informed on the latest in nutrition science

• Strategic & Tactical – You balance big-picture thinking with on-the-ground execution

• Analytical & Data-Driven – You use data to drive decisions

• Self-Starter – You take initiative and deliver high-quality results independently

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent

• 5+ years of experience leading operations in a commissary, high-volume restaurant, banquet, or catering setting

• Strong knowledge of USDA/FDA regulations and food safety practices

• Understanding of nutritional frameworks such as Paleo, Keto, Low/Slow Carb, and MIND Diet

• Proficient in planning, organizing, and managing culinary projects

• Lean Six Sigma or process improvement experience is a plus

• Deep commitment to supporting others in reaching health and wellness goals

What You’ll Get

• Competitive Compensation – Salary, 401(k) with immediate company match, and equity opportunities based on role

• Comprehensive Time Off – Generous PTO, sabbatical options, and up to 16 weeks of parental leave

• Health & Wellness – Medical plans starting at $0/month, effective your first day

• Professional Growth – Tuition reimbursement and career development support

• Employee Perks – Up to 75% off HelloFresh brands (HelloFresh, Green Chef, EveryPlate, Factor_)

• Inclusive Culture – Access to 7 Employee Resource Groups supporting BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, LGBTQ+, and more

• A Mission-Driven Workplace – Join a dynamic, fast-growing company redefining how food is made, delivered, and enjoyed