Sous Chef

Sous Chef — Salem, Massachusetts

Sea Level Oyster Bar is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the delivery of exceptional dining experiences in Salem, Massachusetts. This hands-on leadership position is responsible for supporting high-quality cuisine, efficient kitchen operations, and a collaborative team environment. This full-time opportunity is well suited to an accomplished Restaurant Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Executive Sous Chef who thrives in a fast-paced, quality-driven back-of-house environment and is seeking a stable career with competitive compensation and benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with culinary leadership on menu planning, menu development, food preparation, and daily service, ensuring consistency, creativity, and quality during every shift.
• Lead and support back-of-house team members by establishing clear expectations, coaching culinary techniques, and fostering a productive kitchen culture.
• Protect the guest experience by monitoring food quality, plating, portion sizes, flavor, presentation, and ticket execution throughout service.
• Manage food costs, ordering, inventory, and waste-reduction practices to promote strong operational performance.
• Support banquet catering, special events, and regular restaurant service while maintaining organized and efficient kitchen workflows.
• Uphold rigorous sanitation, food safety, food-handling, and cleanliness standards across all kitchen stations.

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Cook, or comparable culinary leader within a high-volume restaurant, catering, food and beverage, or hospitality environment.
• Strong culinary fundamentals, knife skills, food preparation knowledge, and the ability to maintain quality during high-volume service periods.
• Knowledge of food-cost management, portion control, purchasing, ordering, and inventory practices that support profitable operations.
• A leadership approach characterized by accountability, composed communication, urgency, and a genuine commitment to developing kitchen talent.
• Current ServSafe certification, or the ability to meet applicable food safety certification requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary Arts training, formal culinary education, or additional experience in menu development and banquet catering.
• Experience with seafood, polished casual dining, or high-volume hospitality operations.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of $65,000 to $75,000, based on experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation leave.
• This is an in-person position in Salem, MA, where your culinary leadership and expertise will be recognized and valued daily.

About the Company

Sea Level Oyster Bar offers an engaging environment for culinary professionals dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences. this position is designed for a chef who values teamwork, pride in execution, and the opportunity to influence daily kitchen standards. You will join a hospitality-focused organization where your ideas, discipline, and passion for exceptional food can make a meaningful contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sea Level Oyster Bar is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs.

Apply Today

If you are prepared to advance your career as a Sous Chef and lead a talented kitchen team with confidence, creativity, and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply today.