Restaurant Sous Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Help Us Bring Mexican Culinary Traditions to the Table.

At La Finca, we believe great food does more than satisfy an appetite. It tells a story, celebrates culture, brings people together, and creates a sense of community.

We are a specialty coffee shop and scratch Mexican kitchen committed to delivering an authentic Mexican food and cultural experience. From thoughtfully prepared dishes to exceptional hospitality, we believe the details matter. We take pride in our ingredients, our craft, our team, and the experience we create for every guest.

We are looking for a Sous Chef who shares our passion for food, takes pride in their craft, and believes great kitchens are built through teamwork, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to help execute our menu, develop our kitchen team, improve our operations, and contribute to the continued evolution of the La Finca experience.

What We Believe In

Our vision extends beyond the kitchen.

• Celebrate Mexican Culture: Honor the traditions, flavors, and culinary heritage of Mexico through authentic food and meaningful guest experiences.
• Pursue Culinary Excellence: Prepare food with care, use quality ingredients, and take pride in scratch cooking and consistent execution.
• Practice Innovation and Sustainability: Find smarter, more sustainable ways to operate while maintaining the quality our guests expect.
• Develop Our People: Build a kitchen where team members learn, grow, take ownership, and develop their professional skills.
• Connect Our Community: Create a welcoming place where food, coffee, and hospitality bring people together.
• Make a Positive Impact: Build meaningful relationships with our community and the partners who contribute to our business.

If these values resonate with you, we would love to meet you.

The Opportunity

As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the kitchen leadership team to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure every dish reflects La Finca's standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.

You will be a hands-on leader who can move seamlessly between food preparation, service, team coaching, and operational management. You will help create an organized, productive kitchen where people take pride in their work and understand the importance of delivering an exceptional guest experience.

We are looking for someone who combines culinary skill with sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and a genuine desire to help a team succeed.

What You'll Do

Culinary Execution and Quality

• Execute La Finca's menu to established standards for flavor, quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Lead daily food preparation and service while ensuring all menu items are properly prepared and available when needed.
• Maintain high standards for scratch cooking, ingredient handling, portion control, and food presentation.
• Contribute ideas for menu improvements, seasonal offerings, and new dishes that align with La Finca's culinary identity.
• Help preserve the integrity of authentic Mexican flavors while embracing thoughtful innovation.

Kitchen Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, and support kitchen team members to build a collaborative, accountable, and respectful work environment.
• Organize daily production and delegate responsibilities to ensure the kitchen is prepared for service.
• Train team members on recipes, preparation techniques, quality standards, and safe food-handling practices.
• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and address performance issues professionally.
• Lead by example through a hands-on approach, a positive attitude, and a commitment to doing things right.

Kitchen Operations and Financial Performance

• Manage inventory, monitor product usage, and maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Help control food costs, reduce waste, and improve kitchen efficiency without compromising quality.
• Support labor planning and scheduling to align staffing with business demand.
• Monitor food preparation and production levels to maintain availability while minimizing unnecessary waste.
• Identify operational challenges, take initiative, and recommend practical solutions.

Food Safety and Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-maintained kitchen.
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, temperature control, and handling procedures.
• Promote a culture in which every team member takes responsibility for food safety and workplace cleanliness.

Hospitality and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with front-of-house team members and management to deliver a seamless guest experience.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members, management, and guests when needed.
• Help foster a culture of hospitality in which the quality of the food and the way it is served are equally important.

What We're Looking For

Required qualifications

• At least four years of relevant professional kitchen experience.
• At least two years of kitchen leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong cooking, food preparation, and kitchen organization skills.
• Experience coordinating food production and maintaining quality during busy service periods.
• A demonstrated commitment to food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• The ability to lead, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Mexican cuisine and an appreciation for its regional traditions and ingredients.
• Experience preparing breakfast and brunch dishes.
• Experience working in a scratch kitchen.
• Familiarity with inventory management, food costing, labor planning, and waste reduction.
• Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish.

The Kind of Leader Who Thrives at La Finca

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes pride in preparing excellent food and consistently meeting high standards.
• Leads by example and earns the respect of the team through their actions.
• Takes ownership of problems rather than waiting for someone else to solve them.
• Balances creativity with consistency, organization, and attention to detail.
• Understands that profitability and culinary quality must work together.
• Treats coworkers with respect and believes developing people is part of being a great chef.
• Is curious, eager to learn, and motivated to help improve the business.
• Understands that hospitality is about how we make people feel, not just what we serve.

You do not need to know everything on day one. You do need to bring a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to the craft and the team.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to contribute to a distinctive Mexican culinary and hospitality concept.
• A collaborative environment where your ideas and initiative can make a difference.
• Opportunities to develop your culinary, leadership, and operational skills.
• The chance to help shape our menu, kitchen culture, and operational improvements.
• Compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation: $50,000-$70,000 annually

Estimated Work hours :

• 45-50 hours/wk
• Hours: 6:30 am -4 pm
• Possible dinner shifts may be available in the near future

Ready to Join the Team?

If you are passionate about food, proud of your craft, and excited about building a kitchen culture centered on quality, hospitality, and teamwork, we invite you to apply.

At La Finca, we are building more than a restaurant. We are creating a place where Mexican culture is celebrated, people grow, and our community comes together around great food and coffee.

We look forward to meeting you.