Department: Catering - 170400
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from High School or possession of a GED, and one year of
experience in food preparation or service activities in a
commercial kitchen; or an equivalent combination of training and
experience. Experience in the field of work related to the
position's role may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited
institutions.
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions
At
Grandview
Catering & Events, food is more than a meal - it's
an experience. We pride ourselves on crafting elevated, seasonal
fare that balances modern culinary trends with classic comforts.
Operating out of the premier Grandview Ballroom overlooking
Appalachian State University, our kitchen delivers everything from
intimate, high-end fine dining plated dinners to high-volume,
scratch-cooked banquets and off-site events. We are committed to
quality local ingredients, sustainable kitchen practices, and
culinary excellence.
We are seeking a talented, culinary-driven
Catering Sous
Chef to step into a leadership role in our back-of-house
operations. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, possess a sharp
eye for plate presentation, and want to help shape unforgettable
food experiences alongside a dedicated team of chefs, we want to
hear from you.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Culinary Production: Prepare high-quality menu
items and lead active line cooking for banquets, catering events,
and special functions.
Station Setup & Workflow: Prepare kitchen
areas, prep stations, and event setups to keep food preparation and
service running efficiently.
Leadership Support: Collaborate directly with
the Executive Chef and Sous Chef to direct daily production, train
kitchen staff, and guide student workers.
Team Adaptability: Step into various
back-of-house roles as needed to ensure complete team success
during high-volume pushes.
Standards & Consistency: Strictly adhere
to menu standards, standardized recipes, yield specifications, and
ServSafe protocols.
Quality Assurance: Monitor taste, temperature,
and plate presentation to ensure every dish meets our quality
standards.
Food Safety Management: Uphold safe food
handling, storage, temperature logging, and proper sanitation
practices throughout the shift.
Multitasking & Timing: Manage shift
priorities, balance multiple prep lists, and consistently meet
strict event timelines under pressure.
Proactive Communication: Maintain clear,
ongoing dialogue with leadership and team members regarding event
status, prep needs, and new ideas.
Positive Culture: Foster a respectful,
professional, and collaborative work environment across the entire
kitchen staff.
Working at Appalachian State University comes with a
variety of benefits designed to support and enhance your employment
experience:
- Comprehensive Health Plans: access a range of
health insurance options, including medical, dental, and vision
coverage
- Retirement Plans: utilize these to help you
secure your financial future
- Paid Time Off: including vacation, sick leave,
and holidays to help you balance work and personal life
- Professional Development: take advantage of
tuition waiver programs for professional development and further
your education
- Wellness & Health Programs: tap into
various wellness initiatives and resources, including free gym
membership, to help you strive for a healthy lifestyle
- Employee Assistance Programs: access free
support services for personal and professional challenges,
including counseling and financial advice
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this
Position
- Core Cooking Techniques: Solid foundation in
line cooking, prep, and scratch cooking, with experience in
high-volume banquets or upscale dining environments.
- Eye for Quality & Detail: Pride in
producing high-quality food, following standardized recipes, and
delivering clean, appealing plate presentations.
- Adaptability & Cool Under Pressure: Strong
time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet
strict service times, and stay collected during busy event
rushes.
- Emerging Leadership & Mentorship:
Eagerness to guide, support, and communicate effectively with prep
cooks, utility staff, and student workers in a collaborative
kitchen atmosphere.
- Kitchen Efficiency & Operations: Basic
understanding of inventory management, product storage, waste
reduction, and proper station setup.
- Safety & Sanitation: Dependable knowledge
of ServSafe guidelines, safe knife handling, proper food holding
temperatures, and overall kitchen cleanliness.
- Drive & Growth Mindset: A positive
attitude, a passion for food, and a strong work ethic with a desire
to sharpen your skills and advance your culinary career.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience and applied knowledge in a similar
role
- Bachelor's degree in culinary science or relevant field
- Culinary School/ACF Certification
- ServSafe certification - or willingness to obtain it 1 year of
employment
- Menu and plate design experience
- Knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures is
preferred
Work Schedule/Hours: Varying schedule based on demand and
event schedule Weekend work required All Grandview Catering &
Events employees are required to work special campus events as
needed, including home football games Overtime may be required
based on the business demands
Anticipated Hiring Range: $42,177 - $45,760
Closing Date: 11/08/2026
To apply, visit https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/56696
Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal
Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in
access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect
to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis
of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and
expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status,
genetic information or sexual orientation.
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