Sous Chef - Giants Ridge

Compensation Amount:

47,840.00 USD Annual

Job Summary:

The Sous Chef is the direct management assistant to the Executive Chef and is second in command in the kitchen. The Sous Chef prepares food and service according to assignment by the Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage. The Sous Chef must also assist in planning, giving directions to all employees within the unit, achieve operating and financial goals, ensure food quality, and meet client objectives and customer needs.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in supervising, training, scheduling, disciplining, and direct culinary staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Ensures all food is prepared according to established recipes, presentation standards, and quality expectations.
• Controls food and operating expenses by monitoring costs, minimizing waste, and identifying opportunities for improved efficiency.
• Determines food and supply needs and maintains accurate inventory controls for food, beverages, and kitchen supplies. 
• Monitors inventory levels and places orders as needed to maintain adequate product availability. 
• Maintains and enforces a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment in accordance with all applicable food safety and health standards. 
• Ensures proper standards are followed for food presentation, handling, cooking, housekeeping, sanitation, employee dress, and personal hygiene.
• Plans, schedules, supervises, and participates in daily culinary operations to ensure appropriate production levels, effective assignment of responsibilities, and timely preparation of food.
• Ensures banquet food is prepared in the appropriate quantities, meets quality standards, and is ready for service at the scheduled event time. 
• Accommodates customer dietary requirements, allergies, and special requests while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
• Coordinates closely with front-of-house staff to ensure food is delivered accurately and service is timely and efficient. 
• Identifies and resolves kitchen operational issues quickly and effectively, particularly during busy service periods.
• Assists with the development and implementation of new recipes, menu items, and seasonal offerings.
• Monitors kitchen equipment, work area, and operating practices for potential safety concerns and immediately reports any issues to management. 
• Leads by example and promotes a professional, respectful, and team-orientated work environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the overall operation of the Food & Beverage department.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

• High School Diploma or GED required.  Culinary or Associate’s degree in food service or related field preferred. 
• ServSafe Food Certification or ability to obtain certification. 
• Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations. 
• Understanding proper food handling, storage, and temperature control procedures.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment operation, maintenance, and safety practices.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special dietary accommodations.
• Understanding of hospitality and guest service standards. 
• Strong culinary and food preparation skills across a variety of cooking techniques.
• Ability to supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff. 
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain efficiency during busy service periods. 
• Ability to maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills to address operational challenges.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks throughout the kitchen and facility, including frequent bending, lifting, carrying, reaching, twisting, stooping, and climbing stairs in a constantly changing work environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 lbs. regularly, 30-35 lbs. frequently, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to stand and walk for the entire workday, including extended shifts as business needs require.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and utensils, including knives, slicers, mixers, ovens, grills, fryers, and other food preparation equipment.
• Frequently use of hands and fingers to grasp, handle, chop, cut, prepare food products, and operate kitchen equipment, including repetitive hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder movements. 
• Ability to withstand temperate extremes, including exposure to freezer and refrigerator walk-ins, hot cooking surfaces, steam, and varying kitchen temperatures.
• Ability to read, write, and effectively communicate in English, including understanding verbal instructions and communicating clearly with employees, managers, vendors and guests. 
• Ability to maintain concentration, attention to detail, and sound judgment while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment. 
• Ability to supervise, train, and direct kitchen staff, respond appropriately to operational and employee concerns, and maintain professional composure under pressure.
• Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties and maintain effective kitchen operations.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Commercial cooking equipment, including ovens, ranges, grills, fryers, and steamers.
• Food preparation equipment, including mixers, slicers, food processors, and knives. 
• Refrigeration and storage equipment, including coolers and freezers.
• Temperature monitoring, sanitation, and cleaning equipment.
• Computer systems, inventory software, and standard office equipment.

Giants Ridge, managed by Guest Services, is seeking a talented, motivated, and hands-on Sous Chef to support our Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional dining experiences for our guests.  This position plays a key leadership role in overseeing food preparation, supervising culinary staff, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations across restaurant and banquet services. 

If you are passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy leading a team, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a $43,680 - $52,000 salaried position commensurate with experience. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous culinary experience in a high-volume restaurant, resort, hotel or banquet environment. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, motivate and support kitchen staff.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. 
• Flexible Schedule – Must be available for evenings, weekends and holidays.

Why Work at Giants Ridge?

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Stay covered with medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support.  We also offer HSAs, FSAs and more to help you manage healthcare costs.
• Retirement Savings – Play for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan, featuring a company match to help you build financial security. 
• Paid Time Off – Take time to rest, relax and recharge with generous PTO.
• Mountain Perks – Enjoy free employee passes and discounts for your family so you can hit the slopes and trails all season long!
• Exclusive Golf Privileges – Hit the greens with complimentary golfing at our two championship golf courses.
• Exclusive Discounts – Save on delicious food, stylish apparel and must-have accessories while working at Giants Ridge. 
• Work with Friends – Join a fun, supportive team where every day feels like an adventure.
• Flexible Scheduling – We offer flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle, but some evening, weekend and holiday shifts are required to keep up with the excitement at Giants Ridge.
• And More! – Additional perks and surprises that make Giants Ridge a great place to work!

Giants Ridge is the #1-rated family vacation destination in Minnesota. Located just north of Duluth in the heart of Minnesota’s Superior National Forest, Giants Ridge is a four-season, family-oriented resort offering fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Summer features world-class golf and lift-served mountain biking, while winter brings incredible skiing, snowboarding, fat tire biking, and more. Guests and employees alike can enjoy the Pool & Sauna Haus, along with dining, lodging, and a variety of year-round recreational amenities. Employees also have access to discounted lesson opportunities to help them develop new skills and make the most of the Giants Ridge experience. Beyond the resort, the Iron Range region offers abundant outdoor recreation, including lakes and waterways for boating, fishing, and paddling, as well as extensive trail networks for hiking, snowmobiling, and other seasonal activities. Spring and fall provide the perfect transition between seasons, showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that make the region a great place to live, work, and play.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.