Sous Chef

Copper Kitchen | Baltimore, Maryland

Full-Time | $65,000–$75,000 Annually

Copper Kitchen is a boutique, chef-driven catering company known for exceptional cuisine, creative menus, and memorable experiences. From elegant weddings and sophisticated corporate gatherings to intimate private celebrations, we bring restaurant-quality dining to unique venues throughout the region.

We are looking for an experienced, organized, and hands-on Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team.

This position is ideal for someone who loves cooking, thrives on organization, takes pride in consistency, and enjoys leading a team in a dynamic, high-volume environment.

Working directly with our Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will be instrumental in managing daily culinary production, coordinating multiple event preparations, maintaining food quality, and supporting the development of our kitchen team.

We are looking for a strong production leader who can translate our Executive Chef's culinary vision into exceptional, consistent execution.

The right candidate is someone who leads by example, anticipates challenges, communicates effectively, and knows how to keep a busy kitchen running smoothly.

Culinary Production & Quality

• Oversee and actively participate in daily food production for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
• Coordinate production schedules, prep lists, and assignments for multiple events simultaneously.
• Ensure recipes, portioning, flavor profiles, presentation, and quality standards are consistently maintained.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef to organize production priorities and meet event deadlines.
• Maintain high culinary standards while balancing efficiency, labor, and food costs.
• Support culinary execution at off-premise events as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and support prep cooks and other culinary production staff.
• Assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and hold team members accountable for quality and productivity.
• Provide hands-on instruction, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Promote a respectful, collaborative, and positive kitchen environment.
• Communicate proactively with the Executive Chef regarding challenges, staffing needs, and production priorities.

Kitchen Organization & Operations

• Maintain an organized, efficient, and sanitary kitchen.
• Assist with purchasing, inventory management, receiving, and waste reduction.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, food handling, and temperature controls.
• Collaborate with warehouse, beverage, and event operations teams to ensure successful event preparation and execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, productivity, and consistency.

• Minimum 3 years of professional culinary experience, including experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Strong culinary fundamentals and experience with high-quality, scratch-made food.
• Experience managing large-scale food production, catering, banquets, or high-volume restaurant operations preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and team leadership abilities.
• Ability to remain composed, adaptable, and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
• A hands-on, team-first attitude and genuine pride in culinary excellence.

Copper Kitchen operates in the exciting and ever-changing world of special events. Unlike a traditional restaurant, our production and event schedules fluctuate based on client bookings and seasonal demand.

Candidates should understand that:

• This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based primarily at our Baltimore commissary.
• The work schedule varies according to production and event needs.
• Evening, weekend, and occasional holiday availability is required.
• Our busiest seasons may require extended hours and flexibility to support production deadlines and event execution.
• Some off-premise event work and travel to local venues will be necessary.

We value planning, teamwork, and communication and strive to organize production schedules as efficiently as possible while delivering an exceptional experience for our clients.

At Copper Kitchen, we believe exceptional hospitality begins behind the scenes with a talented, committed, and supportive team.

We offer an opportunity to work alongside passionate culinary professionals, prepare creative and diverse menus, and play an important role in producing extraordinary events.

Our culture emphasizes communication, respect, accountability, integrity, and excellence. We are committed to continuously improving, developing our people, and raising the bar in everything we do.

• Annual salary: $65,000–$75,000 , commensurate with experience
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings plan with company match, subject to eligibility
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment

If you are a talented culinary professional who enjoys leading production, developing people, and delivering exceptional food, we would love to meet you.

• Copper Kitchen — Raising the Bar in Catering & Hospitality.