Art-Driven Sous Chef & Kitchen Leader

Accor; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

21c Museum Hotels in Durham, NC is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to lead and optimize kitchen operations in a fine dining setting. You will own the service period, oversee line cooks and stewards, and collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on menu development.

The role requires strong knife skills, safety and sanitation knowledge, and the ability to work nights and weekends. Background checks are required and enthusiasm for 21c is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in a fine dining restaurant environment.
• Understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills.
• Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling processes.
• Able to work flexible hours (nights, weekends).
• Responsible, dependable, punctual.
• Excellent communication skills; must be able to speak, read, and understand English.
• Clean and professional appearance.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for all things 21c.
• Must pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Owns service period and crew.
• Able to be multifaceted with eyes on all kitchen activities.
• Knows the strengths and weaknesses of line staff under supervision, knows what and when to delegate and to whom, and has set clear expectations for the finished product.
• Available to assist line staff with recipe techniques and station prep and answer any questions.
• Abreast of all menu changes, regardless of service period.
• Relays important information about the day service for line staff as they arrive, such as menu changes, station assignments, and private events.
• Ensures that stewarding staff follow their opening, closing, and mid-service side work. Coordinates with CDC on supervising the Stewarding department.
• Maintains clean and organized walk-ins & dry storage area.
• Orders daily and weekly products in conjunction with CDC.
• Stays aware of food and labor costs and makes efforts to control these in their particular service periods.
• Collaborates with CDC and/or EC on menu development and engineering.

Skills

Fine dining

Leadership

Knife skills

English proficiency

Team coordination

Job description

21c Museum Hotels in Durham, NC is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to lead and optimize kitchen operations in a fine dining setting. You will own the service period, oversee line cooks and stewards, and collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on menu development.

The role requires strong knife skills, safety and sanitation knowledge, and the ability to work nights and weekends. Background checks are required and enthusiasm for 21c is essential.