Sous Chef - Fine Dining

Sous Chef – Sophisticated American Steakhouse

Location: Rocky Mount, NC

Salary: $55,000 – $60,000 per year (plus performance-based bonus)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

Our client is a premier fine-dining destination in Rocky Mount that has redefined the local culinary scene over the past 16 months. Blending traditional steakhouse staples with Southern comfort and modern culinary techniques.

We are looking for a Sous Chef. A leader who possesses technical culinary mastery, a passion for guest engagement, and a dedicated mentorship mindset. This is a high-energy, guest-facing role perfect for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, upscale environment.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Excellence: Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring every plate meets exacting standards for a sophisticated American steakhouse menu.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Manage a team of approximately 10 personnel (line, prep, and dish). Focus on training and development to maintain our exceptionally low turnover rate.
• Operational Precision: Execute managing prime costs, inventory, and labor scheduling with high accuracy.
• Guest Engagement: Act as a "front-of-house" friendly leader, interacting with guests in the dining room and the new wine lounge to discuss pairings and culinary details.

Qualifications & Key Metrics

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of professional culinary experience with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef leadership role.
• Background: Proven track record in Fine Dining or high-volume Upscale-Casual environments.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Restaurant 365 (Back office/Inventory) and Toast POS is highly preferred.
• Wine Knowledge: The ability to speak comfortably about wine pairings is a significant advantage.
• Specialty Skills: Experience in off-premise banquets and events is a plus.
• Education: A culinary degree is preferred but not required for candidates with significant tenure.

Training, Growth & Benefits

Our client believes in setting leaders up for success through a comprehensive 5-week on-the-job training program, including:

• Rotation through all kitchen positions.
• Front-of-House training to understand the guest journey.
• 1-on-1 mentorship with the Executive Chef.

Total Rewards:

• Starting Salary: $55k–$60k based on experience.
• Bonus: Performance-based bonus potential (eligible after 60 days).
• Health: Healthcare stipend provided.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) program.
• Growth: Clear pathways for advancement within the current location and potential future expansions.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen
• Must have the right to work in the US.
• Note: While out-of-area candidates are welcome, relocation reimbursement is not provided.