Sous Chef

About WINNER Hospitality

WINNER Hospitality is a Brooklyn-based hospitality company dedicated to exceptional food, thoughtful service, and community-driven experiences. From our acclaimed bakeries and cafés to our restaurants and private dining operations, we are committed to craftsmanship, hospitality, and continuous improvement.

We are seeking an experienced, driven, and hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team and support the execution of our food program at the highest level.

Position Overview

The Sous Chef serves as a key leader within the kitchen, acting as the second-in-command to the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine. This role combines culinary excellence with team leadership, operational oversight, and a commitment to maintaining WINNER's standards of quality, consistency, and hospitality.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, skilled cook, and effective mentor who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They lead by example, support team development, and ensure every service is executed with precision and professionalism.

What You'll Do

Lead Daily Kitchen Operations

• Support the Executive Chef in overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Lead service during assigned shifts, ensuring smooth execution, communication, and timing.
• Coordinate station workflow and ticket management to maintain service standards.
• Step into any station as needed to support the team and ensure successful execution.

Maintain Culinary Excellence

• Ensure all menu items are prepared according to established recipes, techniques, and plating standards.
• Taste and verify food quality throughout prep and service.
• Uphold consistency across all shifts and team members.
• Support menu changes, seasonal rollouts, and recipe implementation.

Develop and Support the Team

• Train, coach, and mentor line cooks, prep cooks, and new team members.
• Reinforce kitchen systems, procedures, and operational standards.
• Provide constructive, real-time feedback to improve performance and execution.
• Support staffing plans, station assignments, and daily team organization.

Oversee Prep & Production

• Manage daily prep execution and ensure production goals are completed on time.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness throughout prep areas, walk-ins, and storage spaces.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs to Chef leadership.
• Assist with receiving, ordering, inventory management, and product organization as needed.

Champion Food Safety & Sanitation

• Enforce all NYC Department of Health food safety regulations and company standards.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, storage, and sanitation practices are consistently followed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen environment.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability throughout the team.

Drive Communication & Operational Excellence

• Serve as a liaison between kitchen staff and culinary leadership.
• Communicate menu changes, 86s, operational updates, and service priorities clearly and efficiently.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings and operational reviews.
• Identify and escalate challenges proactively while helping develop solutions.

Success in This Role

Successful Sous Chefs at WINNER are measured by:

• Consistency and quality of food execution
• Efficiency and flow of service
• Team development and training effectiveness
• Kitchen organization and cleanliness
• Food waste reduction and prep efficiency
• Inventory accuracy and operational support
• Positive collaboration across departments

Qualifications

• 2+ years of progressive culinary experience in high-volume, chef-driven, or refined casual dining environments.
• Previous Sous Chef experience strongly preferred; exceptional Senior Line Cooks will also be considered.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and solution-oriented under pressure.
• Solid understanding of food cost awareness, inventory management, and waste control.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate preferred or willingness to obtain certification.
• Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance reimbursement plan
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• 25% employee discount
• Transit benefits

What We Look For

At WINNER, we value leaders who:

• Lead with humility and accountability.
• Foster a respectful and positive kitchen culture.
• Take pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Support the growth and development of their team.
• Communicate clearly and professionally.
• Show up consistently prepared, engaged, and ready to contribute.

If you're passionate about great food, strong teams, and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.