Join Our Culinary Team as a Sous Chef at Desert Rose Retirement Community!
At Desert Rose located in Yuma, Arizona, we know that exceptional people create exceptional communities. Here, residents enjoy vibrant, active lifestyles supported by a caring team, and our kitchen is at the center of that experience.
Our mission of “People, Passion, and Excellence” isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life. We’re dedicated to creating a warm, engaging environment where residents and team members alike feel valued and supported. As our Sous Chef, you’ll play a vital role in making Desert Rose not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
The Opportunity: Sous Chef – Leadership in the Kitchen
We’re looking for a talented Sous Chef - ServSafe certified to assist in leading our Food Services team. This is a hands-on, leadership role that blends culinary creativity with organization and mentorship. You’ll help oversee kitchen operations, ensure high standards in meal quality and safety, and work collaboratively to deliver an exceptional dining experience for our residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals
- Lead daily kitchen operations and supervise the Food Services team in the Executive Chef’s absence
- Ensure meals are prepared according to menus, recipes, presentation, and portion control guidelines
- Maintain high food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with local and company policies
- Assist with food and supply ordering, inventory management, and vendor relationships
- Coordinate food prep and scheduling to ensure efficiency and readiness for all meals
- Creatively utilize leftovers to reduce food waste while maintaining food quality and safety
- Support special events and holiday meals with elevated menu planning and presentation
- Mentor, train, and guide kitchen staff to uphold performance and culinary standards
- Maintain accurate kitchen logs and reports, including temperature checks and production sheets
What We’re Looking For
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Culinary Arts degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a leadership cooking role (such as sous chef or lead line cook)
- Valid ServSafe Certification
- Strong knowledge of food prep, sanitation practices, and special dietary needs
- Comfortable using recipes, production schedules, and kitchen management tools
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities
- Passion for creating delicious food and meaningful experiences for seniors
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in senior living, healthcare, or hospitality settings
- Familiarity with dietary guidelines for older adults
- Knowledge of community kitchen regulations and compliance standards
- Computer literacy including Microsoft Word, Excel, and inventory systems
Why Join the Desert Rose Team
We care about our team and offer a competitive, people-first benefits package that includes:
- Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- DailyPay for on-demand access to earnings
- Free Telehealth progams
- LifeBalance wellness program with exclusive discounts
- A positive, supportive work environment where your contributions matter
If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise to a community that values heart, teamwork, and excellence, we’d love to welcome you to Desert Rose. Join us in creating joy, one meal at a time.
Apply today and take the next step in your fulfilling senior living career.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of Sous Chef experience do you have?
- Have you ever worked in a senior living community?
- What are your salary requirements for this role?
Work Location: In person
