Sous Chef – Leadership Track (Growth to Executive Chef)

Sous Chef – Leadership Track

Iacofano's Catering & Events is hiring a Sous Chef – Leadership Track to support our Charlotte operation. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for:

• Supporting daily kitchen operations
• Leading production teams
• Ensuring quality, consistency, and execution
• Assisting with training and team development

This role plays a key part in building the bench and developing future leaders within the company.

Ideal for someone who wants to grow into a Chef role, without full-time travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen teams during daily production
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Assist in training and developing cooks (Cook 1? Cook 2? Cook 3)
• Help implement systems, processes, and operational standards
• Support Expo/QA and logistics coordination when needed
• Assist with scheduling, prep planning, and production execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment
• Travel occasionally to support other locations as needed

What Makes a Great Fit

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Interest in long-term growth into Chef or leadership roles

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or senior-level cook
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations and food production
• Ability to lead teams and manage high-volume production
• Ability to follow and enforce systems, standards, and procedures
• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally (quarterly)

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in catering or high-volume production kitchens
• Experience training and developing kitchen staff
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)

Why This Role Is Different

• Not just a Sous Chef role—this is a leadership development position
• Opportunity to help build teams and improve operations
• Direct path to Executive Chef and beyond
• Structured systems and a company focused on growth
• A leadership role with stability and opportunity

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a standard Sous Chef role, this isn't it. If you want to grow into a Chef, develop teams, and help build a high-performing catering operation, this is a real opportunity.