What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sous Chef position at Root Whole Body?
BLOSSOMING LOTUS CAFE & JUICE BAR – SOUS CHEF
A Career Opportunity for a Passionate Culinary Leader Committed to Food Safety & Quality
Position Brief:
Blossoming Lotus Café & Juice Bar, located within Root Whole Body in NW Portland, seeks an experienced Sous Chef with a passion for clean, plant-based cuisine and an unwavering commitment to food quality, safety, and sanitation. This role is for a detail-oriented kitchen professional who ensures high standards in food preparation, cleanliness, and compliance with health regulations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in kitchen operations, food safety guidelines, and team leadership, ensuring an efficient and well-organized kitchen that consistently delivers nourishing, high-quality food.
Primary Job Responsibilities:Food Quality, Safety & Sanitation
- Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served in compliance with health and safety regulations (HACCP & Oregon Health Code).
- Monitor food handling, storage, and temperature controls to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
- Train and enforce sanitation guidelines for all cafe staff, ensuring proper handwashing, cleaning, and food handling procedures.
- Conduct daily kitchen inspections for cleanliness, proper labeling, and adherence to food safety protocols.
- Manage kitchen cleanliness, ensuring all stations, equipment, and surfaces are properly cleaned and sanitized before, during, and after shifts.
- Oversee proper storage and labeling of all ingredients and food items to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
Culinary Execution & Team Leadership
- Assist in the preparation, execution, and plating of all menu items, ensuring consistency in portioning, presentation, and quality.
- Support the Chef Manager in developing, refining, and implementing recipe specifications and kitchen procedures.
- Train and oversee 3-5 cafe team members, ensuring consistency in execution and adherence to sanitation protocols.
- Oversee prep work, including sauces, dressings, vegetables, and smoothie ingredients, ensuring efficient workflow and minimal waste.
- Lead quality control measures, including taste tests and final plating approval, to uphold the Blossoming Lotus reputation.
- Assist in menu development, ensuring all recipes meet brand standards for health, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Control
- Maintain an organized inventory system, ensuring all food and supplies are labeled, stocked, and rotated efficiently (FIFO method).
- Assist in vendor ordering, inventory management, and food cost tracking to minimize waste and optimize profitability.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and state food safety laws, proactively addressing any operational or safety concerns.
- Implement and monitor waste reduction strategies, maximizing ingredient usage and sustainability efforts.
Requirements:
- 5 years of kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager role.
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and sanitation protocols.
- Proven ability to lead and train a kitchen team in executing high-quality food in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with inventory management, food ordering, and cost control strategies.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift at least 50 lbs.
- Passion for healthy, plant-based cuisine and a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Join Our Team!
If you are a skilled Sous Chef who takes pride in food safety, cleanliness, and exceptional plant-based cuisine, we’d love to meet you! Apply today and become a key part of Blossoming Lotus Café’s mission to nourish the community with clean, vibrant, and health-focused food.
Salary : $5 - $20
