Risevoic
Sous Chef
Company : Sodexo
Location : San Jose, CA, 95119
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Role Overview
SodexoMagic is seeking a talented and driven Sous Chef to join our culinary team at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose, CA. This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional with strong operational experience, a creative approach to food, and the ability to lead and develop a team. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensures the highest standards of food safety, and delivers exceptional dining experiences for our clients and guests.
SodexoMagic is the joint venture partnership between NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Sodexo. This strategic alliance enables us to deliver creative solutions to our clients along with our local partners throughout the communities we serve. For almost 20 years, we have provided top-level food, facilities management and integrated services to corporations, healthcare facilities, K-12 schools, colleges, universities and aviation lounges.
What You'll Do
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, including staff training, scheduling, and maintaining HACCP compliance.
- Develop and execute creative, high-quality menus for catering and special events.
- Manage ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships to ensure cost control and timely delivery.
- Ensure flawless event execution through strong organizational skills and hands-on culinary expertise.
What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
- Proven experience as a Sous Chef with strong leadership and operational skills.
- Expertise in catering, menu development, and large-scale event execution.
- Strong culinary background with creativity, organization, and a results-driven approach.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to follow through on tasks and deadlines.
Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience
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Frequently asked questions
San Jose’s culinary scene is vibrant but highly competitive for sous chef roles due to its diverse population and tech-driven economy. Salaries here tend to be higher than average California metro areas, reflecting the cost of living and demand for experienced culinary leaders in healthcare and corporate catering sectors.
Employers in San Jose’s healthcare food service often value certifications like ServSafe Manager and HACCP training, which ensure compliance with strict food safety standards. Additional credentials related to nutrition or catering management can enhance a sous chef’s profile in this region’s regulated environments.
A seasoned sous chef typically exhibits leadership in menu innovation, inventory control, and event execution beyond basic cooking prowess. They also mentor staff and maintain operational compliance, demonstrating strategic thinking and multitasking under pressure, which junior sous chefs are still developing.
Sous chefs uniquely bridge culinary creativity with kitchen management, juggling staff schedules, vendor coordination, and HACCP standards. Unlike production chefs who focus on volume or grill chefs who specialize in specific cooking styles, sous chefs oversee diverse kitchen operations ensuring quality and efficiency.
At Sodexo, sous chefs have opportunities to advance into senior culinary leadership, catering management, or facility-wide food service director roles. The company encourages continuous learning through tuition reimbursement and cross-functional projects, fostering a path from hands-on cooking to strategic operational leadership.
Sodexo emphasizes a blend of culinary excellence and community impact, especially in healthcare settings like Kaiser Permanente. Sous chefs benefit from structured career development, diverse client exposure, and a culture valuing inclusion and employee well-being, distinguishing it from traditional hotel or standalone catering jobs.
Sodexo sous chefs in San Jose must balance high-volume event catering with strict food safety protocols and local preferences. They coordinate vendor deliveries against tight timelines and tailor menus creatively to diverse dietary needs, all while maintaining flawless execution in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Sous chefs in San Jose generally earn between $55,000 and $75,000 annually, with higher pay linked to significant experience, advanced culinary skills, and leadership roles. Factors such as education and specialized event catering expertise at companies like Sodexo can push compensation toward the upper tier.