Sous Chef (Pastry) (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef plays a key role in supporting the Executive Chef in coordinating and overseeing food production activities within a servery. This includes assisting in food preparation, guiding the culinary team in training, recipe development, and menu creation, as well as ensuring proper food presentation, sanitation, and safety standards are upheld. The Sous Chef is also responsible for providing leadership, maintaining staff morale, and supporting the Executive Chef in meeting budgetary goals for food, labor, and supply costs. Additionally, the Sous Chef helps with developing performance reviews for production staff.

The weekly schedule will vary, including weekends and holidays, and must be flexible to accommodate any shift requirements.

This role is designated as essential during campus emergencies. The incumbent must report to campus and provide critical services under the direction of the Crisis Management Team.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will have experience working in a team-oriented environment with at least three years of experience in a commercial kitchen, preferably specializing in baking. They should be comfortable in a fast-paced setting and adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Workplace Requirements:

On-campus position: This role is performed entirely on-site at Rice University. In accordance with Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Physical Requirements:

• Light: Exert up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally. Requires standing or walking for up to 8 hours daily.
• Must possess manual dexterity, vision, hearing, and the ability to reach, climb, and balance.
• Ability to discern scents and flavors is essential.
• Work environment is in a commercial kitchen, with exposure to temperature extremes and work hazards including chemicals, wet floors, and dangerous equipment such as fryers, dough sheeters, tortilla machines, stoves, ovens, knives, and slicers.

This position is classified as essential, requiring on-site presence for the fulfillment of vital functions.

Hiring Range: $23.41 to $25.00, based on qualifications and experience.

Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
• Three years of related experience in commercial hospitality or a similar field
• Certified Food Handler's Permit from the City of Houston Health Department (must be obtained within 30 days of hire)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven ability in cleanliness and adherence to safety and sanitation standards
• Creativity and organizational skills for precise and efficient cooking, with a focus on presentation
• Culinary expertise with knife skills and flavor balance, along with the ability to judge seasonings
• Sound decision-making and the ability to make quick, effective decisions
• Strong leadership and motivation skills, ensuring team efficiency
• Strong multitasking ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Skills:

• Proficient in HACCP documentation
• Expertise in pastry techniques and baking principles
• Ability to read and understand standard recipes/production sheets
• Excellent customer service and clear communication skills (verbal and written)

Preferences:

• Certified Sous Chef Certification from the American Culinary Federation

Essential Functions:

• Oversee all food production activities for the assigned servery.
• Support food preparation by training staff in food preparation, appearance, portion control, and presentation techniques.
• Coordinate staff for catering functions, overseeing food preparation, delivery, and setup.
• Assist the Executive Chef with production scheduling and labor management.
• Aid the Executive Chef in performance reviews for production staff.
• Support inventory management and product rotation.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to meet food, labor, and supply cost objectives for the servery budget.
• Ensure full compliance with City Health Code and train staff on sanitation and safety standards.
• Assist the Executive Chef in menu development and recipe creation.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.