Sous Chef (QA CHEF 3)

Under the general direction of the Executive Chefs, the Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in daily management and supervision of the Dining Services culinary team in specific operational areas. The Sous Chef is responsible for managing culinary personnel to execute recipes, menus, production standards, cooking processes, methods and procedures, financial and budgetary targets, along with procurement and inventory control of day to day residential, or retail dining operations. This position will also assist the Executive Chef in menu and recipe development for residential and retail dining, commissary production facility, or future catering operations. Responsible for financial accountability to systems and processes including accurate ordering and inventory management, appropriate product selection, and vendor relationships. Provide quality-dining experience, by establishing high standards for delivery of food and excellent guest service through innovative, diverse, and creative menus. Implement planned menu cycles or programs established for residential or retail dining operations. Implement established performance goals and conduct performance appraisals for career and student staff both directly and indirectly supervised. Responsible for the implementation of personnel policies and procedures in accordance with University and Dining Services guidelines. Manage food safety, sanitation procedures and standards, and ensure staff are trained in proper food handling techniques according to health and safety standards. The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting and executing the culinary vision for campus, and providing oversight of controlling food standards and procedures, food budgets, menu execution, reviewing/recommending purchasing, and planning and presentation for residential, retail dining or catering operations.

Apply By Date: 04/14/2026 by 11:59PM.

Applicants reviewed every two (2) weeks; position may be filled before final filing date.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, dining services, or hospitality related field or completion of Chef Certification program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Culinary experience in restaurant or dining service/hospitality field, including but not limited to menu development, catering, food production, handling and storage, quality control, health and safety, working independently to initiate and execute new programs, menu development, and operational change.
• Experience with computer-based systems to administer and manage food service, including but not limited to production, purchasing, forecasting, menus, labor scheduling and management, financial reports and meal plan control.
• Experience to work cooperatively in individual, group, and formal settings, and to interact effectively with diverse communities, university staff, and students.
• Experience working independently to initiate and innovate new programs, menu development, and operational change.
• Advanced knowledge in food preparation, culinary trends, vegetarian, vegan and raw cuisine, nutrition, special dietary needs, allergy awareness and sanitation regulations.
• Interpersonal communication skills to clearly and effectively interact with individuals of varying backgrounds and perspectives to research and secure information to resolve problems.
• Skill to write concise, logical, and grammatically correct operational / administrative related reports or correspondence, including but not limited to recipes, schedules, procedures, employee performance evaluations, and reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe certification or equivalent.
• Knowledge of University systems, policies and procedures, and familiarity with the UC Davis campus community, its goals and philosophies.
• Knowledge of related Federal, State, Local, and UC regulations.
• Knowledge of nutrition education programs and nutrient data of foods.
• Spanish / English bilingual.

Key Responsibilities

• 75% - Management & Supervision Of Food Production
• 25% - Department Leadership

Department Overview

Student Housing and Dining Services (SHDS) is a self-supporting auxiliary that provides housing and dining services to approximately 15,000 undergraduate, graduate, and students with families who live in on-campus residential facilities (university owned/managed and Public-Private-Partnerships), as well as providing residential, retail and catering dining services for the campus community. SHDS also provides student support and conference housing services to the campus and general community. For more information about SHDS visit our website at http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu.
Student Housing and Dining Services has adopted the following Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement:
Student Housing and Dining Services is committed to serving the needs of students, staff, faculty and guests from various backgrounds and identities. In full support of our institutional commitment to embrace diversity and practice inclusive excellence, we expect every member of our community to acknowledge, value, and uphold the guidelines set forth in the Principles of Community. As a community of scholars and life-long learners, we commit ourselves to learning together about our differences and commonalities while growing in all areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $58800.00/Yr. - $101200.00/Yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 19
• UC Job Title: QA CHEF 3
• UC Job Code: 005231
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): Variable
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Employee is personally responsible for following safety procedures/guidelines. This position is subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant. Work flexible schedule. Work occasional evenings/nights. Work occasional overtime. Work occasional varied lunch hours.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks