Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Required Years of Experience
2+ years of culinary leadership experience preferred

Job Details
M.O. Hospitality is seeking a motivated and talented Sous Chef to join our culinary team in Downtown San Jose.

Our restaurant group includes Strāta, Eos & Nyx, Paper Plane, Alter Ego, Miniboss, and Still O.G. We are focused on building thoughtful, ambitious restaurants with strong culinary identity, warm hospitality, and a culture rooted in respect, organization, and growth.

This Sous Chef role is ideal for someone who is ready to lead from the front. We are looking for a chef who is passionate about food, committed to consistency, and capable of helping build a disciplined, positive, and high-performing kitchen. The right candidate should be comfortable in service, strong with prep systems, organized with ordering and inventory, and able to support both the creative and operational sides of the kitchen.

You will work closely with the Chef de Cuisine and executive leadership team to execute the restaurant’s culinary vision, support daily operations, develop cooks, maintain standards, and help create memorable guest experiences.

Who You Are

You are motivated, organized, curious, and calm under pressure. You care about food, hospitality, people, and the details that make a restaurant successful.

You lead by example and understand that great kitchens are built through preparation, communication, consistency, and respect. You are comfortable jumping on the line, coaching a cook, tasting sauces, organizing prep, checking pars, receiving product, or helping solve a problem in the middle of service.

You are serious about your craft, but you are also kind, team-oriented, and eager to keep learning. You want to contribute, grow, and be part of a restaurant group that is continuing to build something meaningful in Downtown San Jose.

Position Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chef de Cuisine and leadership team in all back-of-house operations

• Help execute and maintain the culinary vision of the restaurant

• Oversee daily prep, production, cooking, plating, and service standards

• Lead cooks through service with calm, clear communication

• Maintain consistency, cleanliness, organization, and accountability in the kitchen

• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, and product rotation

• Monitor food quality, recipe execution, portioning, and presentation

• Help manage labor, scheduling, prep lists, pars, and station readiness

• Train, mentor, and support line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team members

• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and health department standards

• Maintain walk-ins, dry storage, equipment, and kitchen workspaces

• Communicate clearly with the front-of-house team to support smooth service

• Contribute ideas for menu development, specials, systems, and overall improvement

Position Requirements, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Prior experience in a sous chef, junior sous chef, lead line cook, or similar culinary leadership role

• Strong cooking fundamentals and understanding of proper technique

• Experience in a chef-driven, high-volume, or fine dining environment preferred

• Ability to lead a team while maintaining composure during busy service

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Understanding of prep systems, ordering, inventory, food cost, and labor awareness

• Commitment to cleanliness, food safety, and professional kitchen standards

• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with both BOH and FOH teams

• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

• Culinary degree preferred but not required

• ServSafe certification preferred

What We Offer

• Opportunity to grow with an expanding San Jose-based restaurant group

• A serious culinary environment with room to contribute and develop

• Supportive leadership and a team-focused culture

• Exposure to multiple restaurant concepts and future growth opportunities

• Competitive compensation based on experience

Benefits
Benefits and perks may include health/dental/vision, dining discounts, growth opportunities

About M.O. Hospitality
M.O. Hospitality is a San Jose-based restaurant group committed to creating distinctive dining and nightlife experiences in Downtown San Jose. Our portfolio includes Strāta, Eos & Nyx, Paper Plane, Alter Ego, Miniboss, and Still O.G. We believe in strong concepts, thoughtful food and beverage programs, genuine hospitality, and building teams where talented people can grow.