EXEC SOUS CHEF

Lead Culinary Excellence at Happy Valley's Newest Entertainment Destination!

Right in the heart of State College, PA, you'll find the area's newest and most exciting entertainment destination. Happy Valley Casino, located inside The Nittany Mall, has brought the region's first-ever gaming facility to life. Featuring over 600 slot machines, 30+ table games, cocktail service, and multiple dining venues, we're quickly becoming the premier entertainment destination in Happy Valley.

We're seeking an experienced, passionate, and innovative Executive Sous Chef to help lead our culinary operations and support the delivery of exceptional dining experiences across our Food & Beverage outlets. This leadership role is ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at team development, and is committed to operational excellence.

What You'll Do

As the Executive Sous Chef, you'll serve as a key member of the culinary leadership team, helping oversee food production, kitchen operations, team development, and quality standards across the property.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in managing all aspects of the food production operation and assume full responsibility in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Lead, train, coach, and supervise food production team members to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency.
• Coordinate culinary activities across multiple food production areas and dining venues as directed.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, preparation techniques, and portion control standards.
• Assist with inventory management, product requisitions, and daily food purchasing needs.
• Monitor food costs and contribute to strategies that maximize efficiency while maintaining product quality.
• Ensure all kitchen operations comply with local and state health department regulations, food safety standards, and sanitation requirements.
• Evaluate team member performance and provide feedback, coaching, and development in accordance with company policies.
• Communicate daily operational goals, expectations, staffing needs, and priorities to supervisors and culinary team members.
• Assist with scheduling and monitor payroll costs within established labor budgets.
• Foster a positive and professional work environment focused on teamwork and guest satisfaction.
• Support the development and execution of menu offerings and culinary initiatives.
• Promote exceptional guest experiences through a commitment to quality and service excellence.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Culinary School graduate preferred.
• Six (6) to eight (8) years of progressive culinary experience required.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, resort, casino, or hospitality environment strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, inventory management, and food safety procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership and team-development skills.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food and labor costs.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Commitment to mentorship, training, and employee development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, typically 6-8 hours or more per shift.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with varying temperatures and physical demands.

Why Join Happy Valley Casino?

Happy Valley Casino is not just an exciting place to work. We believe our team members deserve exceptional rewards, development opportunities, and benefits that support both their professional and personal lives.

Full-Time Team Member Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Wide Variety of Voluntary Insurance Options
• Retirement Savings Options

Benefits for All Team Members

• Employee Assistance Program
• Unlimited Access to National and Local Discounts
• Free Employee Dining
• Robust Employee Recognition Program
• Growth and Advancement Opportunities
• PTO Programs That Promote Work-Life Balance

Additional Information

Casino employees may be required to obtain a Pennsylvania Gaming License. The cost of licensure is covered by Happy Valley Casino.

Bring Your Culinary Leadership to Happy Valley Casino

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the culinary experience at Central Pennsylvania's newest entertainment destination. As Executive Sous Chef, you'll have the opportunity to lead talented teams, influence dining operations, and contribute to a growing organization committed to excellence in hospitality and guest service.

Saratoga Casino Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and are strongly committed to workforce diversity. We value and support individuals of all backgrounds and cultures, including but not limited to those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.

This job description is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform additional job-related duties as assigned from time to time.