SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) - Join the Team!
Posted on December 22, 2025
The University of Arkansas is a renowned higher education institution located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. Within its vibrant campus environment, catering and food services play a vital role in supporting students, faculty, and staff by providing nutritious and delicious food options in various dining facilities. The university, through its partnership with Compass Group, strives to deliver high-quality food services, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for the campus community. The partnership emphasizes employee development, diversity, and inclusion, creating a supportive and empowering work environment for food service professionals.
The position of Sous Chef at the University of Arkansas offers a fantastic opportunity for culinary professionals eager to work in an educational setting that values growth, quality, and teamwork. This full-time role requires someone who has previous culinary experience and, ideally, catering experience as well. The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef by preparing and cooking foods, coordinating activities among cooks and other food-service associates, and taking charge in the absence of the Executive Chef. This role is integral in maintaining kitchen operations and ensuring food is prepared according to approved recipes and production standards, all while upholding the highest standards of food safety and sanitation.
The role features a variable schedule depending on business needs and covers a pay range from $18 to $22 per hour. Working at the University of Arkansas also means receiving excellent benefits, including scholarship opportunities, a parking pass, and free shift meals, reflecting the organization's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.
Sous Chefs at this institution will have the responsibility of overseeing food storage, ensuring compliance with corporate, state, and federal regulations, and managing inventory thoughtfully. They will also supervise hourly associates, engaging in critical management tasks such as interviewing, scheduling, training, and performance evaluations. In addition to culinary duties, the position requires interaction with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly and service-oriented manner. This role demands a professional who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, keep up with peak production hours, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen space during all phases of service.
Those joining the team will benefit from numerous training and development opportunities and comprehensive health and wellness programs. The University of Arkansas, in partnership with Compass Group, fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds to apply and contribute meaningfully to the community. The institution clearly upholds equal employment opportunities, ensuring fairness and nondiscrimination across all hiring processes.
Overall, this position is ideal for culinary professionals looking to enhance their careers in a supportive and dynamic university kitchen environment where their skills can directly impact the campus community's dining experience. With strong leadership from the Executive Chef and clear avenues for professional growth, the Sous Chef role represents both a challenge and an opportunity within a respected educational institution.
- Previous culinary experience required
- Previous catering experience a plus
- Ability to perform essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to work varied shifts
- Must comply with all food safety and sanitation standards
- Ability to supervise employees
- Ability to manage inventory and supplies