Catering Sous Chef

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Catering Sous Chef to join our Dining Services team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $53,000 - $58,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~10,000 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

The CWU Dining Department is a large, complex, multi-unit operation. The Catering Sous Chef will provide hands-on culinary leadership and operational support to the catering, concessions and any related units. This position can be assigned to the Student Union Dining Operations or the 1891 Catering Operations as needed.

The Catering Sous Chef works to maintain and lead members of a culinary program that emphasizes quality, excellence, and customer service through direct leadership of back of the house efforts. The Catering Sous Chef participates with the Dining management team in a collaborative effort to coordinate and synchronize the operations and services to achieve the vision and goals of Dining Services. In alignment with Central Washington University's vision, mission, and values, CWU Dining Services plays a key role in supporting these principles while also upholding our department's own vision, mission, and values. Our vision is to be a key campus partner in promoting the growth of our diverse community through shared culinary and educational experiences. As a member of Dining Services, you will be directly involved in these efforts and are expected to embody both the university, and department, vision, mission, and values in your work. All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWU's vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence.

Job Duties

Operations & Customer Service:

• Continuously monitors the appearance and quality of all food and food display areas.
• Continually seeks quality improvement in recipes through testing and execution with the culinary staff and Dining Services management with oversight from the Assistant Director of Culinary Operations and Campus Executive Chef.
• Designs and implements cooking techniques and presentation that maximize appearance, taste, and quality.
• Responsible for ordering, delivery, and preparation of food to meet planned menu and service needs.
• Responsible for assignment, allocation and reporting of all culinary labor (student, bargaining unit, and all other staff). Generate daily labor reports from data in time and attendance system. Make corrections to exceptions and staff work hours as needed daily.
• Follow proper reporting procedures for unit performance data to include cash sales, labor hours worked and inventory.
• Resolve issues that directly affect production and service of forecasted quantities of food by coordinating with service managers and staff as needed.
• Actively participates, supervises, trains, and directs staff in proper handling, preparation and storage of food products.
• Establishes and maintains a quality control program for food and beverage preparation and service.
• Actively participates in food preparation, in addition to overseeing food preparation and providing feedback and direction to staff.
• Responsible for actively controlling food waste and to proactively promote sustainability efforts and goals.
• Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of work areas at all campus dining locations.
• Supervises, directs and participates in proper and safe use, cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Is responsible for providing recommendations for equipment repair and/or replacement.
• Supervise the cleaning and sanitization of equipment after production is complete.
• Actively leads and/or participates in weekly unit production service staff meetings.
• Works with management team in developing new and creative programs designed to meet the diverse culinary preferences of college students.
• Actively solicits patrons' suggestions and respond to complaints, questions, and special requests.

Training:

• Trains and evaluates staff performance, including civil service, students and temporary employees.
• Coaches, provide feedback, and mentors staff and peers to improve efficient performance.
• Plans, conducts, and monitors monthly safety training meetings of culinary staff.
• Develops and maintains in-service orientation and training for new employees.
• Develops, implements, and provides department-wide training on sanitation, safety, and other food safety procedures.
• Assists in interviewing and selecting staff members, and ensures staff are on board properly.
• Provides guidance to direct reports on requirements and/or opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions, such as poor equipment or work habits that may lead to accidents or injury.

Menu Management:

• Ensure unit staff are properly trained on using the Computrition system by referring them to Dining Systems for training, as well as providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
• Use the current menu management software to update and to ensure accuracy of recipes, pricing and nutritional information.
• Use and maintain order guides to ensure accurate ordering practices. Ensure staff read and follow standardized recipes. Adjusts weights and measurements of ingredients to match quantity of production.

Supervisor Duties:

• Actively engage in recruitment and hiring new employees.
• Clearly define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Conduct formal performance evaluations.
• Ensure employees have necessary resources.
• Oversee and direct the work of staff; serve as mentor, coach, and leader, and resolve complaints or issues.
• Promote professional development opportunities.
• Develop and foster supportive working relationships, motivation and engagement.
• Communicate information to staff on an ongoing basis to influence staff engagement and to be a part of a larger community.
• Take corrective action in a timely manner.
• Recognize and reward employees for good performance.
• Schedule employee work hours/shifts; monitor hours worked; approve payable time and absence requests.
• Adjust leadership style as needed to achieve results.
• Recognize value of and promote a diverse workforce. Value and encourage diverse perspectives, creativity, and teamwork.
• Participate as needed in campus special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Over 3 years of experience working in large commercial/institutional or hotel type kitchen settings.
• Leadership experience in a culinary setting performing such duties as hands-on training and working with teams.
• Experience with menu execution, basic food ordering, understanding and applying allergen and nutritional standards.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience fostering a supportive and effective workplace while working with students and/or colleagues to uphold institutional excellence.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special Conditions of Employment

• The position will require irregular shifts to ensure maximum coverage by management. As with any hospitality business, this position will work a variety of schedules and hours to meet customer needs.
• Must have or be eligible to obtain WA State Food Handler's permit within 30 days of initial hire date.
• Must be able to obtain SERVSAFE Certification within 6 months of initial hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in culinary arts or related hospitality field.
• Previous experience in higher education food service operations.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite software such as Word, Excel, Access and e-mail or similar software
• Multi-unit food service operation experience.
• Demonstrated participation in programs designed to promote student success.
• A record of promoting institutional excellence in the work environment.

Competencies

• Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. This may be the job for you!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: This position has a minimum annual salary of $45,303 and maximum annual salary of $63,424. The Hiring Department's expected hiring range is $53,000 - $58,000. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the hiring range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Variable; based on business needs / 40+ hours per week

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily indoors, at times in hot/cold/noisy/wet areas with some exposure to hazardous equipment and products. Working in temperatures from 0 degrees (freezer) to 350+ degrees (around cooking equipment) is common. Work requires walking and/or standing (often in a stationary position) for most of each shift. Bending/climbing/carrying/pulling/pushing/lifting associated with loading/unloading of supplies and preparation, plating and serving of food is required. Occasional overtime is required, and shift work may be required. Additional physical requirements of the position include pushing utility and hand carts with up to 150 lbs. of supplies to various workstations; correctly lifting up to 35 lbs. individually from the floor or shelf locations to heights of 48" so products can be poured into smaller containers or put on worktables. This position requires working a schedule that varies based on business needs. This entails attending and participating in events that occur seven days a week and outside normal business hours.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: .

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting;

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: May 29, 2025 and will be open until filled

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Taylor Sivak

Title: Catering General Manager

Email: ...

Phone: ...

Website: cwu.edu/student-life/dining/catering/

Please contact Human Resources at ... or ... if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone ...; or email ....

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at ... or call .... This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at ... for a paper copy.