Sous Chef - LAVO Tampa

Job Description

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa’s waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We’re building our opening teams now. Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

\n

\n

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as:

\n

\n
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
\n
• 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match
\n
• Life and Disability Insurance Plans
\n
• Ancillary Insurance Plans
\n
• Employee Assistance Program
\n
• Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources
\n
• Pet Insurance
\n
• Employee Discounts
\n
• TAO Savings Marketplace
\n
• Time off and much more!
\n

\n

\n

Responsible for supervising the daily activities of the heart-of-house operations and team members in accordance with department policies and procedures. Interacts with fellow team members, and supervisors in a polite and courteous manner to ensure gracious hospitality.

\n

\n

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

\n

\n
• Ensures the needs of the guests are accommodated.
\n
• Ensures the general cleanliness of the heart-of-house, and the entire venue.
\n
• Participate in interviewing, hiring, and training new applicants and team member development of all subordinates.
\n
• Responsible for the scheduling of assigned departments (where applicable).
\n
• Participates in growth opportunities and team member development of all heart-of-house team members.
\n
• Ensures safety, quality, and recipe accuracy.
\n
• Manage the execution of regular service, catering, take-out, delivery, and all in-venue/off-premise events.
\n
• Ensures Department of Health and company sanitation standards.
\n
• Ensures that the venue is compliant with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and company policies.
\n
• Coaches and develops heart-of-house team members by setting clear guidelines and expectations.
\n
• Responsible for all mechanical systems being in good working order and compliant with all federal, state, and local ordinances.
\n
• Ensures all team members are compliant with all heart-of-house standards and procedures.
\n
• Responsible for checking cover counts, BEOs, and/or Fire Sheets.
\n
• Ensures the preparation and delivery of menu-focus items to daily pre-service meetings.
\n
• Proficient with all operational systems, which include payroll, inventory, and purchasing.
\n
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of all recipes, and food menus and maintains station recipe books.
\n
• Organize, develop and produce new recipes for potential new menu items and specials.
\n
• Ensures the completion of all opening and closing procedures as prescribed by the company.
\n
• Ensures expediting standards.
\n
• Communicates clearly and concisely with all team members during service.
\n
• Practical knowledge of the job duties of all supervised team members.
\n
• Participates in overseeing the replacement or repair of all breakage, and damage to equipment or furniture.
\n
• Attends, leads, and participates in any training sessions, departmental meetings, or daily pre-shift meetings.
\n
• Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example.
\n
• Portrays a positive and professional attitude.
\n
• Demonstrates knowledge of the venue, Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environments.
\n
• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members.
\n
• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned
\n

\n

\n

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

\n

\n
• Tao Group Hospitality in-venue sous chef training
\n

\n

\n

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

\n

\n
• Minimum 2-3 years of previous Culinary supervisory/management experience within a high-volume kitchen setting is essential.
\n
• Two-year associate degree (60 credit hours) in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience preferred.
\n
• Strong menu planning, ability to coach, build a team, problem solve, and leadership skills required.
\n
• Must be organized, self-motivated, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
\n
• Proficient with computers (Microsoft Products), POS, and technology.
\n

\n

\n

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE:

\n

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

\n

\n

\n
• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
\n
• Must have strong problem-solving skills
\n
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
\n
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
\n
• Must have good positive energy throughout the day
\n
• Must be able to read the computer monitors and print legibly
\n
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
\n
• Must be able to move quickly through work and set the pace in the office
\n
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
\n
• Small to Medium office environment
\n
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
\n
• 5-25% Local Travel (United States)
\n
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
\n
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
\n
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
\n
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
\n
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
\n
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment
\n