Sous Chef
Organization: Sanza Food Service
Venue: Amerant Bank Arena
Location: Sunrise, FL — On-Site
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Executive Sous Chef
Schedule: Flexibility required for evenings, weekends,and holidays aligned with event schedules
Position Overview
We are seeking a talented and driven Sous Chef to join our culinary team at Amerant Bank Arena. Reporting directly to the Executive Sous Chef, the Sous Chef plays a critical leadership role in the day-to-day kitchen operations of a high-volume sports and entertainment venue. The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years of culinary experience, thrives under pressure, and is passionate about delivering exceptional food quality at scale.
Key Responsibilities Kitchen Operations
- Assist the Executive Sous Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations during events, including pre-event prep, service, and post-event breakdown
- Manage high-volume food production across multiple food & beverage outlets within the venue
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards of quality and consistency
- Monitor food production timelines to ensure service readiness before event start times
Team Leadership
- Supervise, train, and mentor line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen staff
- Delegate tasks effectively to ensure smooth kitchen workflow during peak event days
- Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen culture built on accountability and excellence
- Assist in scheduling kitchen staff for events and day-to-day operations
Food Safety & Compliance
- Enforce strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health code regulations at all times
- Conduct regular line checks and temperature logs to ensure compliance
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment
Menu & Inventory
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and event-specific menus
- Assist with ordering, receiving, and managing food and supply inventory
- Monitor portion control and minimize waste to support cost management goals
- Assist in maintaining food cost targets within budget parameters
Qualifications Required
- 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience, preferably in a high-volume or large-scale venue (sports, hospitality, hotel, or catering)
- Proven experience in a supervisory or lead cook role
- Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety standards, and sanitation practices
- ServSafe certification (or equivalent food handler certification)
- Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays aligned with event schedules
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong communication and team leadership abilities
Preferred
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
- Experience working in a sports arena, stadium, or large entertainment venue
- Familiarity with large-scale banquet and concession-style food service
- Knowledge of food costing and inventory management systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods (up to 10+ hours per shift)
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working in varying kitchen temperatures including hot and cold environments
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Opportunities for growth within a dynamic and exciting venue environment
- A collaborative, fast-paced team culture
- Employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision (details provided during interview)
- The opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting environments in live sports and entertainment
At the Florida Panthers Hockey Club, Arena Operating Company, Panthers IceDen, Sanza Food Service, War Memorial Benefit Corporation, and FLA Team Shop, we strive to make every employee feel valued and respected for who they are and the unique contributions they make. We believe that a diverse and inclusive company is a more innovative and successful company, which is why we aim to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) into all aspects of our culture and our business.
We welcome all to apply and join our team.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.