Sous Chef - Culinary Operations (Confidential Search)

Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support a dynamic culinary operation focused on precision, scale, and consistency. This role is instrumental in driving day-to-day kitchen performance, ensuring high standards across food preparation, safety, and team execution.

The ideal candidate thrives in structured, high-output environments and brings both culinary expertise and operational discipline. You’ll partner closely with senior kitchen leadership to deliver consistent results while developing and guiding a diverse team.

What You’ll Do

Kitchen Execution & Oversight

• Lead daily food preparation activities, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across production
• Oversee ingredient handling and preparation techniques, maintaining high culinary standards across all outputs
• Step in to lead kitchen operations when senior leadership is offsite
• Coordinate workflow, staffing assignments, and station coverage to meet production targets
• Monitor inventory levels and manage daily ordering to align with demand
• Contribute to menu refinement and product consistency initiatives
• Address and resolve production challenges in real time

Food Safety & Standards

• Enforce strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety protocols
• Conduct regular quality checks on ingredients and finished products
• Ensure standardized recipes and portioning guidelines are consistently followed
• Maintain full compliance with HACCP and local health regulations

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, coach, and support kitchen staff to ensure strong performance and engagement
• Assist in onboarding and skills training for new and existing team members
• Foster a positive, accountable team environment focused on execution and continuous improvement
• Support labor planning and staffing optimization

Operational & Cost Management

• Track and manage food usage, waste, and cost controls to meet financial targets
• Support inventory accuracy and minimize loss through disciplined processes
• Participate in operational improvement efforts aimed at efficiency and scalability

What You Bring

• 3+ years of experience in a fast-paced culinary or food production environment
• Formal culinary training or apprenticeship preferred
• Strong understanding of food safety systems, including HACCP
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment
• Solid leadership skills with a collaborative, team-first approach
• Detail-oriented with a focus on consistency and quality
• Comfortable using basic digital tools and kitchen management systems

Work Environment

• High-volume culinary production setting
• Fast-paced, team-oriented, and process-driven
• Requires flexibility in scheduling based on operational needs