Sous Chef - The Polo Bar

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: The Sous Chef at The Polo Bar is a seasoned culinary leader who plays a critical role in upholding the restaurant’s legacy of excellence, precision, and timeless sophistication. This individual brings a refined palate, exceptional technical skill, and strong leadership, ensuring every dish meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and execution.

This role requires thriving in a high-performance, high-expectation environment and delivering an exceptional culinary experience that aligns with The Polo Bar’s brand and guest experience.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute service with authority, composure, and precision, ensuring seamless kitchen operations during high-volume and high-expectation service periods.
• Partner closely with the Culinary Director to drive culinary excellence, consistency, and operational efficiency across all areas of the kitchen.
• Uphold uncompromising standards for food quality, presentation, and portioning, ensuring every dish meets The Polo Bar’s exacting expectations.
• Maintain a strong and visible presence on the line, setting the pace, tone, and standard for execution and professionalism.
• Supervise, coach, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a culture of discipline, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Train team members on proper techniques, station organization, and execution standards to ensure consistency across all services.
• Conduct regular quality checks, including taste tests and plating reviews, to ensure alignment with culinary standards.
• Anticipate and proactively resolve operational challenges to maintain efficiency, flow, and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal updates, and recipe refinement while preserving the integrity of the restaurant’s classic culinary identity.
• Oversee scheduling and staffing to ensure proper coverage aligned with business needs and service standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and product utilization with a focus on cost control, waste reduction, and quality preservation.
• Enforce all health, safety, and sanitation standards in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Drive accountability within the kitchen, addressing performance concerns promptly and escalating when necessary.
• Provide leadership and direction in the absence of the Culinary Director, ensuring continuity of standards and operations.

Must-Haves:

• · 3+ years in a managerial role in a restaurant setting.
• · Knowledge of POS
• · Timekeeping and Scheduling
• · Knowledge of food safety and health regulations
• · Customer-centric
• · Ability to effectively handle employee relations
• · Acute business & financial acumen
• · Knowledge of regulatory compliance with wage & hour, scheduling, etc.
• · Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Employment Transparency

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources.