Sous Chef

About the Position

Goodwin Living, a top‑tier continuing care and retirement community in Fairfax, Virginia, is seeking a Sous Chef with proven experience as a leader and an accomplished, creative cook. This role involves preparing up to 1,000 meals a day for residents at all levels of care, as well as supporting fellow team members and distinguished guests.

Pay range: $62k–$68k depending on experience.

The Sous Chef reports directly to the Executive Chef and manages a team of 60 cooks, enforcing and documenting standards of safety, sanitation, consistency, and quality.

• Assist with planning regular and modified menus according to established guidelines.
• Train kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation.
• Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage, and work areas, ensuring staff follows them.
• Maintain inventory of food and non‑food supplies, staying within guidelines while securing necessary products.
• Make decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products, staying within guidelines.
• Comply with federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third‑party audits.
• Adhere to facility confidentiality, HIPAA, and patient rights policies.
• Follow the facility’s protocols for Hazardous Materials and Waste Program.
• Adhere to Emergency Preparedness Program and participate in disaster drills as appropriate.
• Practice consistent ownership attributes, providing a high level of customer service at all points of contact.
• Interview candidates for employment and make hiring and termination decisions after consultation with Human Resources and DS Director.
• Mentor and assist employees with personal growth, training, and job skills.
• Delegate responsibilities to employees adequately to ensure effective accomplishment of tasks.
• Encourage feedback, maintain relations with, and monitor commitment of providing highest quality service to customers including residents, internal customers, and partners/suppliers.

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Three years of food service experience preferred; minimum of one year required.
• At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Current Serve Safe Food Service Sanitation Certificate required.
• Good communication skills required.

• Paid Time Off
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Daily Pay:
  Work and get paid the same day
• Tuition Assistance for Career Development
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Financial assistance with U.S. Citizenship application or DACA Renewal
• Tutoring for ESL, Citizenship Test & GED
• Staff Emergency Grants
• Retirement Plan – 401(k)
• Free Meals, Access to a Fitness Center, Pool, and More

Goodwin Living is a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into our mission: to support, honor, and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #2 in 2024.

Goodwin Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an AARP Employer Pledge Signer. We take pride in our inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters talent. With us, you are more than just a team member; you are part of a community committed to excellence and continuous learning.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing;
Non‑profit Organizations