Executive Sous Chef

Executive Sous Chef | Dennis Dean Catering & Events

The Opportunity As the Executive Sous Chef at Dennis Dean Catering & Events (DDC), you will serve as a cornerstone of our culinary leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Chef and working in close concert with the Culinary Director, you will bridge the gap between creative vision and flawless operational execution. This is a role for a disciplined leader who excels in the high-stakes environment of bespoke, large-scale event production.

Core Responsibilities

Culinary Excellence & Precision

• Strategic Execution: Thoroughly review and interpret BEOs to lead the kitchen team in the precise execution of custom menus, ensuring every event departs on schedule and exceeds DDC’s signature quality standards.
• Consistency & Artistry: Maintain absolute consistency in food preparation and presentation, including the final oversight of all garnishing and plating before event departure.
• Innovation Support: Collaborate with the Culinary Director and Pastry Chef on menu development, equipment requirements, and evolving food trends to keep DDC at the forefront of the Atlanta market.

Operational Integrity & Compliance

• Sanitation Leadership: Serve as a primary guardian of ServSafe standards, ensuring the entire team adheres to rigorous food handling, temperature control, and hygiene protocols.
• Food Product Lifecycle: Oversee the complete lifecycle of culinary products—from precision ordering and receiving to daily inventory audits of the walk-in and freezer to ensure peak freshness and minimal waste.
• Proactive Preparation: Conduct regular walkthroughs to ensure the tools required for prep and service are accounted for, allowing the kitchen team to focus on execution rather than hunting for equipment.
• Facility Stewardship: Implement and manage comprehensive cleaning and maintenance schedules for all kitchen equipment, ensuring the facility remains in peak operating condition and compliant with local health department regulations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Culture of Excellence: Foster a professional environment built on mutual respect, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Mentorship & Accountability: Set clear performance standards, delegate responsibilities effectively, and mentor subordinates to help them reach their professional goals within the DDC framework.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Lead by example in providing service behaviors that go beyond the expected, ensuring client satisfaction remains our primary metric of success.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven Track Record: Extensive experience in high-volume catering or upscale hospitality leadership.
• Operational Acumen: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage complex logistics under tight deadlines.
• Certification: Current ServSafe Manager certification is required.
• Leadership Style: A proactive communicator who leads with composure and professional authority.
• Communication: Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred to facilitate effective leadership and seamless communication across our diverse teams.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Endurance & Mobility: Ability to remain in a standing position for extended periods (8–10 hours) and navigate a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen and warehouse environment with agility.
• Strength Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g., stock pots, crates of produce, and equipment).
• Manual Dexterity: High level of fine motor skills required for precision knife work, intricate plating, and the operation of various industrial kitchen appliances.
• Environmental Adaptability: Comfort working in a variety of temperature zones, including high-heat environments (near ovens and ranges) and cold environments (frequent entry into walk-in coolers and freezers).
• Logistical Activity: Capability to assist with the loading and unloading of event vehicles and the maneuvering of heavy event carts as needed to ensure timely departures.

Benefits

• Compensation: Compensation is highly competitive and commensurate with professional experience. This role offers significant potential for supplemental earnings through event-based premiums and a performance-driven bonus structure.
• Insurance: At Dennis Dean Catering, we believe in investing in the professionals who sustain our legacy. To support your holistic well-being and long-term security, we offer an industry-leading benefits suite for all full-time employees. This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with an exceptional 80% employer-sponsored premium contribution alongside a complimentary life insurance policy fully funded by the company.
• Vacation: We are committed to a sustainable culture for our leadership team; as such, we offer a competitive paid time off (PTO) and vacation policy to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
• Additional Benefits: DDC professionals enjoy a premium benefits package that includes more than just insurance. We provide access to a full ecosystem of support featuring a dedicated Employee Assistance Program, financial wellness tools, and a curated selection of lifestyle and retail discounts.

Equal Opportunity & Background Check Statement

Dennis Dean Catering & Events is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Please Note: All successful candidates must pass a comprehensive background check and maintain a clean record as a condition of employment.