MISSISSIPPI - Sous Chef

In August 2022, Viking will expand its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of Mississippi River cruises. Its first 386-guests custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will sail voyages on the Lower and Upper Mississippi, ranging from 8 – 15 days, between New Orleans and St. Paul. Viking’s arrival will bring modern river cruising to the Mississippi and will represent a major commitment to tourism and economic development in many communities along the river. The new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern cruise ship in the region.

A  VIKING LEADERSHIP ROLE

As a Viking Shipboard Leader, you represent Viking’s values and leadership philosophy (Hávamál). You are a hospitality professional who demonstrates passion for excellence, who takes ownership for your areas of responsibility, and who believes in empowering your team with the skills, knowledge and tools to succeed. You are an exceptional role model for the Viking Family and have strong motivation to achieve the company’s goals and objectives. You are flexible, stress resistant, focused, and a truly committed team member.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

• The Sous Chef assists the Chef de Cuisine and/or Executive Chef to oversee the entire assigned Galley operation, by consistently monitoring and checking all food preparation areas over the course of the day and controlling the opening & service hours of the Service Line.
• You are required to be in charge and in full control of the Galley operation of the assigned area in the absence of the Chef de Cuisine or/and Executive Chef.
• It is your responsibility to ensure safe, quality food production, and to create a friendly, guest-oriented service culture to ensure Guest satisfaction and repeat business, which in turn, will increase revenue and profitability of the company.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Hold excellent cooking skill, with the flair and creativeness to enhance buffet presentations; control the breakdown after each service, in conjunction with the Chef de Partie.
• Work closely with the Kitchen Steward in order to accomplish tasks related to inventory, equipment control & maintenance etc.; countercheck daily Storeroom deliveries, for accuracy; regularly check fresh produce chillers, together with Galley Management, to avoid shortages/wastage during the cruise ; ensure proper use of the menu checklist and recipe reviews.
• Ensure that all Galley personnel transport their provisions with the correct utensils.
• Assist in conducting the Dinner Service Line, which includes but is not limited to, ensuring smooth and efficient service, presentation, and final plating; and tour all outlets during service hours.
• Minimize equipment loss/damage and maintain immaculate cleanliness standards by enforcing “clean as you go” work habits in relevant areas, and by applying safe working policies and procedures, according to all Public Health Policies, and ensuring that all equipment is sanitized and returned accordingly, after each use.
• Be present during loadings for quality control and assurance; assist the Executive Chef with supervising the Galley operation and preparing requisitions for all Catering equipment.
• Ensure that the Galley/adjacent areas are ready for any announced and/or unannounced Public Health inspections, done either by the Ships’ Management or local authorities (public health inspectors). The Sous Chef must be present for all inspections; ensure that all menus, recipes, methods, and specifications are adhered to, and are in line with the quality and cleanliness of all Public Health Policies and Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Assist the Executive Chef with preparing additional working schedules (Embarkation Day, Special Functions, etc.) for Galley personnel; have an in-depth understanding of the working hours policies and procedures; be familiar with crew contracts and work schedule hours/week, to maintain working hours paperwork and if necessary, correct entries for payroll.
• Lead and support a multi-cultural team, maximizing crew satisfaction, productivity and retention; meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis for “The Daily Reunion”, to provide feedback & operational updates as well as to ensure that your department is performing to Viking’s STAR Service Standards.
• Appoint and enforce specific job responsibilities to all key personnel working under the direction of the Sous Chef and establish the manner and means to train personnel.
• Provide competent leadership to all direct reports. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting performance reviews, including discipline as needed and onboard training, succession planning, crew communication and recognition.
• Ensure you always wear the appropriate and task specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required for your duties onboard. Always use correct lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
• Always uphold impeccable grooming standards within your team by complying with Viking’s Image and Uniform Standards.
• Ensure that company property is appropriately secured and protected, especially during rough weather conditions, to prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
• Positively contribute to achieving/succeeding Culinary KPI goals (quality & financial) for the Culinary Department; have full knowledge about safety & security procedures and can operate in line with all Public Health, Environmental and Safety & Security Policies; participate in all training concerning onboard training, safety & security, fire prevention, evacuation exercises as required by the company.
• Temporarily replace/takeover the Executive Chef position (with necessary training), at any given time.

YOUR PROFILE:

• A required minimum of 9 years plus experience as a Sous Chef or similar position, within a 5 Star hospitality and/or restaurant environment; advanced culinary skills, are required.
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly interpret and orate documents, such as menus and recipes. The ability to speak additional languages is an advantage.
• Must have experience in leading multi-cultural teams; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player; strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with excellent knowledge of all Public Health Policies; team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities; must be able to physically handle 50+ lbs. (30KGs) on a daily basis, and work a minimum of eleven hours a day, seven days a week.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS & AT WILL  EMPLOYMENT:

• Ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
• Ability to work as necessary in order to complete all assigned tasks and fulfill responsibilities in your assigned role.
• Ability to meet moderate physical demands, including lifting, bending, climbing, and long periods of standing or walking
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for Marijuana and other controlled substances. We are a Drug Free Workplace.
• Viking Cruises is an At-Will Employer. As such your, employment with Viking is a voluntary one and is subject to termination with or without cause or notice, at any time by you or Viking. Nothing in this document or in any oral or written statement shall be interpreted to conflict with or limit the right to terminate employment at-will.

GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

• Implement Standard Operating Procedures & STAR Service Standards within the department.
• Ensure appropriate appearance and clothing according to the updated Grooming Standards.
• The company reserves the right to change/extend this job description if necessary, at any point of time during her/his employment

Viking is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.