Executive Sous Chef / Sous Chef - Vietnamese-French Restaurant

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef or Sous Chef to join an established upscale Vietnamese restaurant in Houston. The position level will be based on experience, with the opportunity for the right candidate to step into an Executive Sous Chef role.

This is a hands-on culinary leadership position responsible for supporting daily kitchen operations, maintaining food quality and consistency, developing the culinary team, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and support the Executive Chef
• Oversee food preparation, production, and service execution
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, and sanitation
• Lead, train, coach, and develop culinary team members
• Assist with scheduling, staffing, and daily kitchen organization
• Monitor food and labor costs and support cost-control initiatives
• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper product storage
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and equipment standards
• Assist with menu execution and seasonal culinary initiatives
• Monitor ticket times and ensure smooth service during high-volume periods
• Communicate effectively with FOH leadership and other departments
• Step in as the primary kitchen leader when the Executive Chef is unavailable
• Help foster a professional, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen culture

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Sous Chef or comparable culinary leadership experience
• Executive Sous Chef experience preferred for the higher-level position
• Experience in upscale, fine dining, or high-volume full-service restaurants
• Strong leadership and team-development skills
• Proven ability to manage kitchen operations during busy services
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, inventory, and purchasing
• Excellent culinary execution and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Vietnamese, French-Vietnamese, or Southeast Asian cuisine experience is a plus
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.