Sous Chef - Hot Kitchen

Job Description

Job Description

Full-Time | Competitive Pay (DOE) + Tips | Leadership Development Program | Growth Opportunity

Ponzu Palm Springs is seeking an experienced Sous Chef – Hot Kitchen to help lead our growing culinary team.

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the daily operation of our Hot Kitchen and the continued development of our culinary team. You'll work directly with the Director of Operations to protect, execute, and continuously reinforce the systems, standards, and culture that define the Ponzu experience.

As Ponzu continues to expand into multiple locations, we're looking for a leader who takes pride in developing people, building strong teams, protecting operational standards, and creating a culture of consistency and accountability.

This is more than a Sous Chef position.

It's an opportunity to become part of the leadership team helping shape the future of a growing restaurant group.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
As you complete your leadership development program, your responsibilities will grow to include:

• 
  Lead the daily operation of the Hot Kitchen.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the Back of House team.
• Protect and execute company recipes, SOPs, and operational standards.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and execution.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and food safety.
• Lead daily shift meetings and kitchen communication.
• Conduct kitchen walkthroughs and maintain inspection-ready standards.
• Manage production planning and prep execution.
• Gradually assume responsibility for scheduling, ordering, inventory management, and labor oversight.
• Develop and mentor the Hot Kitchen Lead.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations on operational improvements and future restaurant openings.
• Help build a positive, respectful, and high-performing kitchen culture.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're looking for someone who leads with professionalism, humility, and accountability.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 3–5+ years of kitchen leadership experience.
• Previous Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
• A passion for developing people.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• ServSafe Manager Certification (preferred or willingness to obtain).
• A genuine desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a long-term vision.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who values consistency over ego and understands that great kitchens are built by strong teams, not individual personalities.

WHAT WE OFFER

• 
  Competitive compensation (DOE) plus tips.
• Structured 90-day leadership development program.
• Direct mentorship from the Director of Operations.
• Significant opportunity for career advancement as the company expands.
• The opportunity to help shape the systems, culture, and standards of a growing restaurant group.
• Direct collaboration with ownership and senior leadership.
• A supportive, team-oriented culture built on accountability, communication, ownership, adaptability, and respect.