Executive Sous Chef

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Executive Sous Chef — JT's Buffalo

About Us

JT's Buffalo is a contemporary Italian fine dining restaurant in Buffalo's Elmwood Village. We're part of a family-owned restaurant group that has been operating in Western New York since 1992, with four distinct concepts across the region. We run a scratch kitchen built on the best product we can get our hands on — top-tier purveyors, imported Italian staples, and locally sourced produce and proteins from Western New York farms and producers.

The Role

We're looking for an Executive Sous Chef to serve as the Executive Chef's right hand and second-in-command of the kitchen. This is a leadership position for someone ready to own the pass, develop a team, and step in fully when the Chef is off. You'll have real input on menu development and a clear path for growth within the group.

What You'll Do

• Run service and expedite the line, holding the standard on every plate
• Lead, train, and develop the back-of-house team; build a culture people want to work in
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal changes, and specials
• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Control food cost, waste, and labor against targets
• Manage BOH schedules
• Maintain health department and food safety compliance at all times
• Assume full kitchen leadership in the Executive Chef's absence

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years in a fine dining kitchen; Italian experience strongly preferred
• At least 3 years in a Sous Chef role or above
• Proven ability to lead a brigade through high-volume service without losing composure
• Strong pasta, protein, and sauce fundamentals; scratch kitchen background
• Working knowledge of food and labor cost management
• Available nights, weekends, and holidays

Compensation & Benefits

• $70,000–$75,000 annually based on experience
• Performance-based bonuses
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Dining discounts across all four of our concepts
• Growth opportunity within an established multi-concept local restaurant group

To Apply

Apply through Culinary Agents with your resume. Serious candidates should be prepared for a working interview (a "stage") as part of the process.

Ability to work under pressure • Stress management • Culinary skills • Time management • Teamwork • Reliability • Collaboration • Passion for cooking • Organizational skills • Problem solving • Creativity in food preparation • Adaptability • Customer-service orientation • Dependability • Team coordination • Inventory management • Willingness to learn • Food preparation techniques • Butchery • Safety awareness • Knife skills • Positive attitude • Italian cuisine knowledge • Culinary expertise • Culinary degree preferred • Attention to detail • Strong communication • Advanced knife skills