Sous Chef $35/hr – JFK Airport

I.K. Hofmann is currently recruiting for a Sous Chef in our Business Lounge at the JFK, NY Airport.
 This position requires a self-motivated and reliable candidate who thrives in a fast-paced, professional kitchen environment while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards.

Building upon our 35-year history in which we have placed hundreds of employees, we are excited to offer more people positions. This position is a career opportunity offering job stability for the right person, with opportunities for advancement, great pay, benefits, and overtime availability.

If you are looking for a career and not just a job, this is an excellent opportunity for you! We are looking for individuals who take pride in their craft and enjoy working as part of a high-performing culinary team.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent high-quality food preparation and presentation for lounge guests.
• Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff to maintain top culinary and hygiene standards.
• Oversee inventory control, including ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food and supplies.
• Ensure full compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations (including HACCP and airport-specific requirements).
• Collaborate with lounge management to plan, develop, and execute seasonal menus and special event offerings.
• Monitor food costs, reduce waste, and support efficient kitchen budget management.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen at all times.
• Support emergency readiness procedures, including food safety incidents, spill management, and first aid response.
• Maintain a professional and positive approach with guests, coworkers, and management.

Job Requirements of a Sous Chef:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree or certificate preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef or in a comparable supervisory kitchen role.
• Valid New York Food Protection Certificate (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team while maintaining premium service standards.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation compliance.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain composed under pressure in a high-volume environment.

Minimum Essential Functions:

• Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and move throughout the kitchen as needed.
• Frequently moves, transports, and positions food, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to provide written and verbal communication clearly and effectively.
• Ability to operate all kitchen equipment and utensils safely.

Work Environment:

• Primarily works indoors in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Regular exposure to stoves, ovens, microwaves, and sharp kitchen tools.
• Occasionally exposed to very hot or cold temperatures and varying noise levels.
• Works closely with others and shares the same workspace.
• Must wear appropriate protective gear (chef coat, hat, gloves, etc.).

Schedule:

• The lounge operates 24/7; shifts may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on operational needs.
• Overtime may be available based on business volume.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Discounts
• Short-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance Packages
• 401(k) / Roth Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick Leave)
• Referral Program that offers $50 to both you and your referral after they work 80 hours

By entering my mobile number and submitting this application, I give my express written consent to receive text messages from, or on behalf of, I.K. Hofmann USA at the mobile telephone number provided for employment-related communications, notices, and updates, including via an automatic telephone dialing system. Consent is not required. Standard message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out. For California residents, please see our Employee & Applicant Notice at Collection & Privacy Policy for additional California-specific information here. We may use an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) to assist with initial prescreening; we provide required advance notice and a published bias-audit summary here.

About Us:

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classes. Must be eligible to work in the United States for any company without sponsorship. Must be eligible to work in the United States for any company without sponsorship.