Sous Chef

Location: Westminster Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay. 3100 Shore Drive. Virginia Beach, VA
Reports to: Executive Sous Chef
FLSA: Exempt (Salary)
Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday 11am-8pm (rotational weekend availability) 

About Us

Founded in 1982, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is a not-for-profit, faith-based Life Plan Community. Located along the southern shore of Chesapeake Bay, our scenic, resort-style campus is home to a vibrant community of residents and staff who share a passion for service, joy, and well-being.

Our mission? Enriching lives through the power of purpose, belonging, and wellness.

We live our values every day:

• Respect for every person
• Passion for what we do
• Professionalism in all we do

📝 Apply today and help us bring wellness, joy, and energy to the heart of our community!

Behind every delicious meal and memorable dining experience is our incredible Dining Services Team — a dedicated group of Dining Room, Catering, Culinary and Nutrition Care professionals who bring passion, creativity, and care to every plate they serve. From perfectly prepared dishes to friendly, attentive service, this hardworking team goes above and beyond to make every meal special for our residents, staff and visitors alike. Their teamwork, attention to detail, and genuine love for what they do, creates not just great food, but a true sense of community around the table.

What You’ll Do In This Role

• Responsible for hot and cold preparation, including accompaniments and garnishes, following preparation sheets and provided recipes for all dining service. 
• Supervises the production of all special diet foods for all venues.
• Assists in standardizing work methods and establishing food service production lines to ensure meals are timely prepared.
• Supervises all production staff, under the direction or in the absence of the Executive Chef in the spirit of teamwork and empowerment.
• Participates with the management and production staff in the development of menus.
• Ensures production staff is in clean and proper uniform.
• Supervises utility personnel and insures proper dish-washing, pot washing and sanitation procedures for the entire kitchen area.
• Responsible for work assignments and duty schedules within the department.
• Responsible for hiring, training, orienting, scheduling, evaluating and counseling and disciplinary recommendations for Dining Services production team members.
• Maintains appropriate team member records.
• Assist in maintaining food production and purchasing systems, and recipe database.
• Participates in the predicting, planning, monitoring and evaluation of cast programs as assigned.
• Oversees daily purchasing, maintenance of food storage areas, preparation system, order book, recipe file, inventory and storerooms, and keeps records of preparation costs and inventory.
• Keeps current with trends in food preparation, including new recipes, presentation and merchandising techniques.
• Participates in the end of the month procedures and is responsible for the inventory of all food and supplies.
• Manage problems involving several variables in calm and constructive manner.
• Implements programs planned to provide quality food and service to the residents, guest and staff enhancing the desirability of the community to current and future residents.
• Maintains knowledge of current Dining Service financial goals and budgets and executes job duties with a high level of fiscal responsibility.
• Must maintain departmental uniform standards, appearance and grooming requirements. This includes purchasing and wearing slip resistant safety shoes when performing all job duties.
• Participates, as assigned, in special projects for facility or department.
• Maintain excellent relations with clients, residents, Dining Services Supervisor's, team members and other community departments.
• Serves on committees or in professional organizations as required.
• Ensures proper food handling, storage and safety procedures are followed.
• Follows safe work practices and wears appropriate personal protective equipment. 
• Assists in the development a cross-marketing strategy in order to increase resident satisfaction.
• All other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Communication and leadership skills. 
• Familiarity with dining industry's best practices.
• Works independently and efficiently under stressful conditions with many interruptions.
• Neat, clean, and professional appearance.

Physical Requirements

• Walking, reaching, bending, lifting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing and pulling. 
• Ability to distinguish smells, tastes.
• Must be able to lift, work on your feet throughout shift, and bend, kneel, stoop, and reach.

The Experience You’ll Bring

Required

• At least 5 years’ experience in a high volume food production setting.
• Maintain a current Food Handlers Card or Serv Safe.
• Basic knowledge of nutrition.
• Proficient in all kitchen stations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation and handling techniques.
• Must have knowledge of special diets and all applicable local, state and federal regulations regarding food preparation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with residents, guests, team members, and others. 
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation rules and practices.
• Must be able to perform and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends, holidays and early morning shifts.
• Flu-Vaccinated

Preferred

• Graduate of an Accredited Culinary Arts Program with AOS Degree, preferred.
• COVID-19 Vaccinated. As of now, the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine formulation is being distributed to providers and pharmacies; however, it has not yet received official approval from the CDC. In Virginia, pharmacists may administer COVID-19 vaccines under the Virginia Board of Pharmacy’s statewide protocols or with a direct order from a licensed medical provider. We encourage all new hires to consult with their healthcare provider regarding the most current vaccination recommendations. Please be aware that, depending on future CDC guidance or regulatory updates, we may require proof of the most recent COVID-19 vaccination as part of our ongoing commitment to health and safety.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation Range: $45,318.00 - $54,382.00 (based on relevant experience)
• Full-Time Employee (and eligible Part-Time Employee) Benefits Include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance (Available Day One!)
  • Life & Disability Insurance (Short- and Long-Term)
  • Retirement Plan with Employer Match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & 6 Paid Holidays (+ 2 Floating Holidays)
  • Tuition Assistance + Scholarships for You & Your Family
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Legal/Identity Theft Protection Plans
  • Team Member Discounts
  • Career Growth & Leadership Development Opportunities

At-Will Employment Statement
Employment with our organization is “at-will,” meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable laws.