Sous Chef

Sous Chef - Altria Theater/Dominion Energy Center

Department: Food & Beverage

Reports To: Executive Chef / Director of Food & Beverage

Status: Full-Time

Location: Richmond, VA

Position Summary

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations for Altria Theater, including menu execution, prep management, concessions production, VIP hospitality, crew meals, and event-based culinary service. This role ensures food quality, maintains kitchen standards, leads the BOH team, and supports all culinary needs for the venue.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Culinary Operations

• Assist in preparing, cooking, and executing all menus for events, concessions, VIP lounges, and artist hospitality.
• Ensure consistency in presentation, taste, portioning, and quality.
• Follow production schedules, prep lists, and BEO timelines.
• Confirm proper food handling, temperature controls, and storage procedures in accordance with health and safety regulations.
• Support recipe development, costing, and seasonal menu updates.

Kitchen Leadership

• Supervise and train prep cooks, line cooks, dishwashers, and temporary labor.
• Lead kitchen operations when the Executive Chef is off-site.
• Maintain a positive, professional work environment and ensure staff follow proper culinary procedures.

Inventory & Administrative Tasks

• Assist with weekly inventory, food counts, and receiving deliveries.
• Support ordering, rotation, labeling, and waste reduction.
• Maintain accurate prep sheets, requisition forms, and production logs.
• Ensure completion of required certifications (ServSafe, NSF training, etc.).

Sanitation & Safety

• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen at all times.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, NSF standards, and all health department regulations.
• Monitor equipment functionality and report any issues immediately.
• Complete temperature logs daily.
• Uphold safety protocols and reinforce safe working habits.

Event Support

• Execute food production based on event timelines and BEO requirements.
• Prepare hot boxes, coolers, and appropriate transport for off-site or venue-to-venue movement. Complete transfer sheets.
• Collaborate with Banquet Managers, Concessions, and FOH leadership during service.
• Ensure all culinary tasks are completed on schedule for event readiness.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of culinary experience; supervisory experience preferred.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, event-driven environment.
• Strong communication and time-management skills.
• Working knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations.
• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Must be available nights, weekends, holidays, and event days.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Food Quality & Consistency
• Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Professionalism
• Efficiency & Time Management
• Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Additional Expectations

• Maintain a professional appearance in accordance with company uniform standards.
• Represent Altria Theater's Food & Beverage department with integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
• Support additional culinary needs for Dominion Energy Center when required.