Sous Chef for Professional Sports Team

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Every Thomas Cuisine team member is an ambassador, carrying out our mission, reflecting our values, and building relationships while "doing the right thing".

What’s in it for you 

Benefits: 

Full-time roles include:  

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits with several plan options to choose from, provided by Blue Cross. HSA and FSA plan available.
•  Generous Accrued Paid Time Off and Leave programs.
•  401K Retirement Plan-with company match
•  Voluntary Short-Term Disability
•  Holiday Pay on worked Holidays
•  Life Insurance
•  Employee Referral Bonus
• Access to wellness initiatives, financial planning, behavioral health assistance, and more

Wage range: $35-$40 DOE

Schedule: Schedule: Monday through Friday, 45–50 hours per week. Some weekends and evenings are required based on game schedules and team needs.

Location: San Jose, CA

Your Impact 

This position demands a combination of culinary talent, nutritional awareness, and team leadership. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces innovation, and is committed to culinary excellence using locally sourced, premium ingredients.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary Execution

•  Prepare and execute daily meals that meet the nutritional and performance needs of professional athletes, ensuring excellence in taste, texture, and visual appeal.
•  Support recipe testing and development, including menu items that align with athlete performance goals.
•  Maintain sanitation, food safety standards, and kitchen cleanliness in compliance with all health regulations.
•  Execute special meal requests and accommodate dietary needs with care and precision.

Team Support & Kitchen Leadership

•  Supervise kitchen operations and lead culinary staff during shifts in the absence of the Dietitian Director or Executive Chef.
•  Assist in scheduling, training, and mentoring team members to maintain a consistent standard of excellence.
•  Cultivate a positive, efficient, and respectful kitchen culture that encourages collaboration and accountability.

Ingredient Quality & Local Sourcing

•  Champion the use of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients in all culinary output.
•  Assist with ingredient receiving, inspection, storage, and inventory rotation.
•  Support vendor relationships and sourcing practices that align with the organization’s quality and sustainability standards.

Nutritional Awareness & Menu Support

•  Prepare meals that accommodate various dietary restrictions, food allergies, and personalized nutrition plans.
•  Collaborate with the Dietitian Director to implement seasonal menus, recipe modifications, and athlete-centered offerings.
•  Ensure all meals provide balanced macro- and micronutrients in accordance with performance nutrition strategies.

Cost and Waste Control

•  Help manage kitchen inventory, control portion sizes, and track ingredient usage.
•  Contribute to cost-effective culinary operations by minimizing waste and optimizing prep workflows.
•  Support budget-conscious practices without compromising food quality or nutritional integrity.

Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or certification from an accredited culinary institution required.
•  Minimum 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 1 year in a leadership or supervisory role.
•  Prior experience cooking for athletes, wellness programs, or performance-focused culinary environments highly preferred.
•  Strong knowledge of food safety standards, allergen management, and best practices in kitchen sanitation.
•  Passion for high-quality ingredients, whole-food nutrition, and performance-based culinary design.
•  Excellent knife skills, plating techniques, and familiarity with a variety of global cuisines.
•  Ability to remain calm under pressure and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
•  ServSafe Certification or equivalent required (or ability to obtain upon hire).
•  Experience with inventory systems, ordering platforms, and food cost tracking a plus.
•  Spanish speakers desired but not necessary

Additional Expectations:

•  Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, particularly during competitive seasons.
•  Willingness to learn and apply principles of sports nutrition in daily meal preparation.
•  Strong communication and collaboration skills across culinary, nutrition, and athletic performance teams.
•  High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality, especially in a high-profile team environment.
•  A desire to grow within a high-performance kitchen setting and contribute to a culture of excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Our commitment to you

Thomas Cuisine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We believe in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and our mission is to create an inclusive work environment where all employees’ differences are celebrated, their thoughts matter, and everyone feels safe to bring their authentic selves to work.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

Salary : $35 - $40