Sous Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Sous chef jobs in Kentucky are steadily active, with consistent demand across hotel dining rooms, independent restaurants, private clubs, and resort properties throughout the state. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green see the highest volume of openings, with established employers like Omni Hotels and Resorts, Hilton, and Churchill Downs Incorporated among those with lasting kitchen leadership needs. The most in-demand specialties are Southern cuisine, farm-to-table menus, and banquet production, with openings at both the working sous chef and executive sous chef levels. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Sous Chef JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 23+ Sous Chef jobs
INTRODUCTION
Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 1, 2026 — and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life through Compass Athletics.
This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, healthcare support, and athletics operations, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, student-athletes, patients, fans, and the broader community.
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Turn up the heat in a high-impact culinary leadership role! As an Executive Sous Chef, you will deliver cuisine that wows, lead with confidence, and drive culinary excellence. You’ll support food safety standards, inspire your team, and ensure every plate served makes a lasting impression.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute recipes and presentations to meet company standards
- Maintain food safety and sanitation protocols
- Schedule and forecast team needs
- Order supplies and equipment based on business volume
- Train and mentor culinary team members
- Support Executive Chef and the Director of Operations in preventive maintenance planning
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as an Executive Sous Chef in a high volume environment
- Culinary degree preferred
- Proficient in evaluating food quality and presentation
- Effective communication with team, guests, and leadership
- Experience managing and developing kitchen staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule - including days, evenings, weekends and holidays
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1549842
Levy Sector
VIKKI FRITZSCHING
INTRODUCTION
Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 1, 2026 — and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life through Compass Athletics.
This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, healthcare support, and athletics operations, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, student-athletes, patients, fans, and the broader community.
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Turn up the heat in a high-impact culinary leadership role! As an Executive Sous Chef, you will deliver cuisine that wows, lead with confidence, and drive culinary excellence. You’ll support food safety standards, inspire your team, and ensure every plate served makes a lasting impression.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute recipes and presentations to meet company standards
- Maintain food safety and sanitation protocols
- Schedule and forecast team needs
- Order supplies and equipment based on business volume
- Train and mentor culinary team members
- Support Executive Chef and the Director of Operations in preventive maintenance planning
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as an Executive Sous Chef in a high volume environment
- Culinary degree preferred
- Proficient in evaluating food quality and presentation
- Effective communication with team, guests, and leadership
- Experience managing and developing kitchen staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule - including days, evenings, weekends and holidays
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1549842
Levy Sector
VIKKI FRITZSCHING
See All 23 Sous Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Sous Chef JobsSous Chef Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Sous Chef Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in sous chef jobs across Kentucky.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional kitchen training recognized by the employer
- Three or more years of experience in a high-volume professional kitchen
- Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise line cooks and kitchen staff
- Proficiency in menu development, costing, and inventory management
- Current food handler certification or ServSafe Manager credential
- Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and holiday service periods
Sous Chef Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a sous chef in Kentucky?
Most Kentucky employers expect candidates to have a culinary arts degree or diploma from a program at a school such as Sullivan University or Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, combined with several years of progressive kitchen experience. Kentucky does not require a state-issued culinary license to work as a sous chef, but a ServSafe Manager certification is widely required and is obtained through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Which companies hire sous chefs in Kentucky?
Employers hiring sous chefs in Kentucky right now include Levy, Compass Group USA, and Churchill Downs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's blend of hospitality properties, independent restaurants, and event venues means sous chef openings appear across a range of employer types throughout the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most sous chef jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Goshen consistently have the most sous chef openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives the largest share given its concentration of hotels, bourbon tourism venues, and a well-established independent dining scene, while Lexington's horse country hospitality industry and Bowling Green's growing restaurant corridor account for steady demand in those markets.
Are there remote sous chef jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. Sous chef work is inherently hands-on and kitchen-based, so remote arrangements are the exception rather than the rule. About 0% of sous chef openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to involve consulting, menu development, or culinary training coordination rather than day-to-day kitchen leadership.
How can I get hired as a sous chef in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a line cook or prep cook at a larger Kentucky property, such as a full-service hotel kitchen or a high-volume independent restaurant in Louisville or Lexington, and building toward a sous chef role from within. Sullivan University's culinary program includes externship placements that connect students directly with Kentucky employers. Earning a ServSafe Manager certification early and demonstrating reliability in a lead cook or kitchen supervisor role gives candidates a clear edge when sous chef openings arise internally.
Where can I find and apply to sous chef jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to sous chef jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings in one place. Search the roles that fit your background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 23 Sous Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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