Executive Sous Chef

Sonesta Hotels International Corporation; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA with Company Match

401(k) Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time

Parental Leave

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Hospital Indemnity

Critical Illness Insurance

Accident Insurance

Educational Assistance

Hotel Discounts

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a seasoned Chef to lead the Culinary Department, setting the tone for our Culture of Caring and driving exceptional guest experiences across banquets and daily service.

The role involves leading kitchen operations, developing menus, ensuring safety and quality standards, and managing staff and costs. This position is based in Cambridge, MA and is eligible for a bonus plan.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading the Culinary Department and provide direction for day-to-day operations.
• Supervise and coordinate food preparation and production; assign tasks to kitchen staff.
• Ensure sanitation, safety, and quality standards are met in all food preparation.
• Cook, carve meats, and prepare dishes during rush periods, banquets, and events.
• Take Kitchen responsibility in absence of the Executive Sous Chef.
• Write and test recipes; create menus and food displays; provide guidelines for presentation to staff.
• Monitor quality of all food products to ensure standards are met.
• Maintain recipe card system and conduct quarterly audits.

Job description

We're People People. Are you?

We're Sonesta International Hotels-the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here's the thing-we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect-delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Chef sets the tone for Sonesta's Culture of Caring. We expect leaders to focus on creating amazing moments for guests and team members and dig deep to find ways to create success for their team.

What you'll be doing

• Assist in leading the Culinary Department and in providing direction for day-to-day operations.
• Supervise and coordinate food preparation and production. Assign specific tasks to the kitchen staff.
• Ensure food preparation and production are done in a way that meets sanitation, safety, and quality standards.
• Cook, carve meats, and prepares dishes during rush periods and banquets, and other social functions.
• Assumes responsibility for the Kitchen in absence of the Executive Sous Chef.
• Write and test recipes. Create menus and food displays and provide guidelines for food presentation to Kitchen staff.
• Monitor the quality of all food products in the kitchen to ensure standards are being met.
• Supervise and ensure strict compliance to recipe card system and maintains quarterly audit of the system.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and conducts regular department meetings.
• Review BEOs, make notes, develop, and assign production and preparation tasks accordingly.
• Ensure that supplies are ordered, received, and properly stored. Maintain an inventory of supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Meet with guests to seek feedback and ensure food production meet and exceed guest expectations. Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed.
• Work with the Catering Department to develop special menus for functions and Monitor payroll, approve timesheets, and process payroll at the end of the pay period.
• Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming.
• Perform any other job‑related duties as assigned.

Strategy and Planning:

• Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecast and adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.
• Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans to achieve established goals related to guest satisfaction scores.
• Conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment.

Financial Management:

• Manage department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed daily.
• Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs & expenses, and maximize profitability within the Culinary department.
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs, and financial objectives are met.
• Actively participate and advise in the budget and forecasting processes that support the overall objectives of the hotel.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

$88k to $92k Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific experience/ overall experience. This position is eligible for a bonus plan

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here's a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Paid Vacation & Sick Time

• Paid Parental Leave

• Company-Paid Life Insurance

• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance

• Educational Assistance

• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these)

• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.