Sous Chef

Sous Chef – A La Carte Operations
Location: The Westin Westminster, Westminster, CO
Schedule: Full-time | Primarily PM shifts | Includes evenings, weekends, and holidays

About the Role:
The Westin Westminster is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading our culinary operations, with a primary focus on our à la carte restaurant, Spotted Donkey .

This position is responsible for overseeing the evening kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, execution, and team performance during dinner service. While the primary responsibility is managing the restaurant operation, this role will also support banquet functions and other culinary initiatives as business demands require.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, develops strong teams, and takes pride in delivering memorable dining experiences.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and supervise the PM kitchen team during à la carte service at Spotted Donkey.
• Ensure all menu items are prepared and presented according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Assist the Executive Chef in the daily operation of the restaurant kitchen.
• Oversee line setup, station readiness, and closing procedures to ensure efficient execution.
• Monitor ticket times, food quality, and presentation standards throughout service.
• Train, coach, and mentor cooks and culinary associates while promoting teamwork and accountability.
• Assist with scheduling, performance management, and development of culinary team members.
• Ensure proper food handling, sanitation, and compliance with health department regulations and Marriott standards.
• Support inventory management, receiving, ordering, and product rotation procedures.
• Monitor food costs, portion control, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Assist with menu implementation, specials, and recipe execution as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Support banquet operations and large-scale event execution when business levels require additional culinary leadership.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety throughout all kitchen areas.
• Serve as the culinary leader during PM shifts in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive culinary leadership experience required.
• Previous Sous Chef experience in a full-service restaurant or hotel preferred.
• Strong background in high-volume à la carte operations required.
• Banquet production experience preferred.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food costing, inventory management, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• ServSafe Manager certification preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Marriott travel discounts and perks.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Career advancement opportunities within Marriott and Columbia Sussex.
• Supportive and collaborative culinary leadership team.

Join Our Team:
At The Westin Westminster, our Sous Chef plays a vital role in the success of Spotted Donkey Cantina while supporting one of Colorado's busiest hotel culinary operations. If you are a hands-on culinary leader with a passion for restaurant excellence, team development, and delivering exceptional guest experiences, we invite you to apply and become part of our culinary leadership team.