A sous chef job is the aspiration of most junior chefs. Since this job can be quite lucrative, it is crucial to understand the expectations of the sous chef position. A sous chef is second in the chain of command after the head chef.
The sous chef is an expert chef who is the deputy of the head chef with the mandate of taking the responsibility of directing food in the kitchen if the head chef is not available to perform this task. This article discusses sous chef job description below.
- He/she is answerable to the executive head chef. This means that he/she executes tasks based on instructions from the head chef.
- The sous chef is supposed to take maximum control of the kitchen staff by harmonizing their activities to ascertain they are in line with the stipulated objectives in the event that the head chef is not present.
- To co-ordinate activities of various kitchen staff to ensure food production and presentation adheres to high quality standards.
- To ensure high quality food is produced through directing food preparation by kitchen staff.
- He/she should be well equipped with loads of experience in the kitchen thus facilitating effective food preparation
- Have the ability to utilize time in a conscious manner. The sous chef should be in a position to ensure planning food preparation is done efficiently within the agreed upon timelines.
- Demonstrate strong leadership traits such as the ability to motivate all members of the kitchen staff to carry out their designated duties, delegate duties accordingly and get the job done right by the right people.
- Brainstorm food ideas with the executive head chef as well as the kitchen staff so as to devise creative ways of using food ingredients.
A sous chef's earnings significantly differ depending on their geographical location. There are notable disparities in the salary of sous chefs located in a given state but in different towns or cities. For instance, a sous chef working in Binghamton, New York, gets about $34490-$53005. This salary is computed in terms of median annual and it does not include other benefits and allowances likely to be offered. Majority of restaurant and cities base the salary on the experience the sous chef has, level of education attained. If the restaurant is big and profitable the salary can exceed the average amount. For instance in UK, Central London is considered to be the city that pays sous chefs well with an average amount of £32500.