Reporting to the Executive Chef of Catering and working closely with the rest of the Contigo Catering team, the chef de partie assists in the prep and production of excellent meals that our clients rave about. They also get the chance to show off their skills and play key roles in special events. If you haven't yet, you should check out our instagram to see some of the work we do! We pride ourselves in the food we put out -- always leading in culinary excellence through uniqueness, elegance & organization.
As such, the ideal candidate has a strong track record of quality, is creative, adept at keeping track of multiple tasks, and is capable of having fun while maintaining a high standard of accountability at every stage of our process. We are a small, tightly knit team that enjoys good food and values good people.
Location
Our office, kitchen, and warehouse are located in Southeast Austin at 3709 Promontory Point Drive, Suite B201, Austin Texas 78744. This role works out this address for all prep duties, but also involves travel to and presence at various event spaces throughout and around Austin, particularly downtown, Westlake, and Dripping Springs. As such, reliable transportation is required. Occasionally, travel to event locations like Marfa is required, and team support for transport is provided. Our policies also build in some flexibility for work from home hours based on week-to-week event loads.
Schedule
Preparation hours generally fall between 9 am and 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, though exact hours vary based on event schedules. This individual usually works two events a week on average. Night and weekend availability is definitely required, though it varies and includes nights off unlike usual restaurant commitments. Hours usually hit 40 hrs/ week during our busy months (September - November & March - May) with the opportunity for overtime. Hours during our slow months vary.
Compensation
Base hourly pay of $18-22/hr, commensurate with experience. This role also features incredible benefits: health & dental, paid vacation, paid holiday schedule, mileage and parking reimbursements, swag, and more. Delicious, chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, or dinner are a regular benefit of this role, too. W2 Employee status.
We do offer contract position options as well. Contract employees agree to a short term employment contract that may consist of high pay but do not qualify for the benefits listed above (health insurance, pto, etc.)
Day-to-Day Ownership
This is an opportunity to impact and elevate the entire company on a daily basis. The Sous Chef’s day-to-day will reflect current events and ongoing priorities, but can generally be designated within and held accountable to the following:
> Kitchen Role
- Support the kitchen team in the production and preparation of menu items including but not limited to breaking down cases of vegetables, packing and labeling ingredients, loading into coolers, etc.
- Maintain a tidy and clean work station throughout shift and clean work station at the end of each shift; helping the rest of the kitchen team with end of day duties as needed.
- Maintain kitchen and personal organization in such a way as to enable the Contigo Catering kitchen to function smoothly and without interruption. Including clear communication, and procedural consistency.
- Assist kitchen team with errands and other necessary tasks as needed
> Event Production & Working Events
- At the event, either check in with the Executive Chef or Lead Chef. Attend pre-shift meetings led by Lead Chef and/or Onsite Event Manager. Unpack prepped items, set up the kitchen, perform assigned tasks and stick to the timeline. Work a station throughout the event, ensure all food is properly plated and sent out. Pack and label any leftovers in accordance with company standards and safety guidelines. Assist with other duties as needed (cutting cake, refreshing stations, sharing menu or process interactively with guests, or otherwise). Clean up and ensure all trash is removed in accordance with company, venue, and rental guidelines.
Outcomes
A successful candidate in this role embodies the following:
- Each and every one of our clients is satisfied. You make food that not only tastes amazing, but is beautifully presented, and you do it with consistency.
- You stay calm and handle change well. You can take directions without hesitation.
- You are a versatile team player, a resource and guide. You maintain a close connection with the Executive Chef and kitchen team; you maintain high standards in every task.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate has:
- 3+years of professional cooking experience. Restaurant experience required. Catering experience is helpful, but not a dealbreaker
- Demonstrated experience of quality and consistency a major plus.
- Exceptional organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; a knack for keeping multiple projects in mind, properly and consistently ensuring that key messages cascade across the team and our client base, keeping everyone in the know.
- Passion for good food and drink, events that inspire, and a volition to provide Texas style hospitality every step of the way.
- Ability to integrate into the culture of Contigo Catering, and be a steward for this company no matter where you are.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that matches the above description, somethings including evenings, holidays, and weekends in accordance with business demands.
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and engage in medium work, including being on your feet for a full shift
- Ability to type and operate necessary equipment, including cutting, peeling, and other duties that require fingering and dexterity
- Ability to withstand exposure to varying conditions of noise and sound, temperature, and environmental conditions both inside and outside, specifically including heat and cooking over open fire
- Ability to walk amidst varying terrains and perform onside event duties, climbing stairs and ramps, or occasionally stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling to assist with event production needs
Please note that Contigo Catering’s offices are ADA compliant, and Contigo Catering will do their best to make accommodations for the qualified applicant with mobility limitations or other disabilities. We encourage everyone of differing abilities to apply, but while doing so, please let us know what accommodations are required in your working environment.
Contigo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage individuals who identify as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ to apply.
The responsibilities and duties listed above are intended to communicate general priorities for this position, but should not be understood as an exhaustive list of all job requirements to be completed through the duration of employment with Contigo Catering.
Think this job is the fit for you? We encourage you to apply! If the listing is still live, we’re still looking for the right person. We look forward to hearing from you!