About this role
*Job Description: *
Haugen?s Chicken & BBQ, part of the Circles & Squares Bakery family, is looking for a passionate and driven Sous Chef to support our kitchen team in Port Perry.
As we continue building the next chapter of Haugen?s, we?re placing a major focus on food quality, hospitality, consistency, and operational excellence while growing the restaurant into a destination known for great BBQ, comfort food, and house made offerings.
We?re looking for a strong culinary leader who genuinely cares about food, people, and creating an excellent guest experience. The ideal candidate is hands on, organized, solution focused, and capable of leading by example in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, support the kitchen team, maintain food quality and consistency, and ensure the kitchen is prepared for successful service. This role is hands on and requires someone who is comfortable stepping into any kitchen position when needed while also providing leadership, direction, and support to the team.
*Job Responsibilities *
Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Operations
* Support the Head Chef in overseeing all day to day kitchen operations * Lead kitchen operations and the team in the absence of the Head Chef * Work hands on alongside the kitchen team during preparation and service * Ensure all menu items are prepared and executed according to established recipes, specifications, and quality standards * Maintain consistency in food preparation, portioning, presentation, and execution * Assist with menu development, seasonal features, specials, and new menu items as directed by the Head Chef * Assist with developing and improving recipes, prep systems, kitchen organization, and operational procedures * Ensure the kitchen is properly prepared for daily service, including prep, station setup, equipment, and product availability * Monitor kitchen flow during service and help resolve issues quickly and effectively * Maintain a sense of urgency and organization during busy service periods * Assume responsibility in ordering in the absence of Chef
*Team Leadership & Development *
* Lead, mentor, and support cooks and kitchen staff through positive and hands on leadership * Train employees on recipes, preparation methods, cooking techniques, plating, sanitation, and kitchen procedures * Provide clear direction and assign daily tasks and responsibilities to kitchen staff * Help create a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement * Support the Head Chef with employee development, coaching, and performance feedback * Lead by example in work ethic, communication, cleanliness, organization, and professionalism * Foster strong communication and teamwork between the kitchen and front of house teams * Step into various kitchen positions when required to support the team and maintain service standards
*Prep, Production & Organization *
* Assist with creating daily and weekly prep lists and task assignments * Ensure prep is completed accurately, efficiently, and on time for service * Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or upcoming needs to the Head Chef * Ensure proper rotation, labeling, dating, and storage of all food products * Maintain organized walk-ins, freezers, dry storage, prep areas, and kitchen stations * Help monitor food quality and freshness throughout preparation and service * Identify opportunities to improve kitchen workflow, organization, and efficiency * Assist with minimizing food waste through proper preparation, storage, rotation, and portion control
*Ordering, Inventory & Receiving *
* Assist the Head Chef with ordering food, supplies, and other kitchen requirements * Monitor inventory levels and communicate ordering needs based on business volume and upcoming service requirements * Assist with receiving deliveries and ensure products are checked for quality, quantity, and condition * Ensu