Executive Sous Chef

Wish You Were Here Group; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wish You Were Here Group in Venice Beach, LA, is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to lead the culinary team at Belles Beach House, a vibrant high‑volume concept renowned for Hawaiian‑Japanese inspired cuisine.

Working with the Executive Chef, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, mentor staff, drive menu development, ensure recipe accuracy, control costs, and maintain the highest standards of food safety and guest satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary experience with leadership roles in high-volume settings.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese cuisine, Asian-inspired techniques, and Hawaiian flavors.
• Proven ability to lead large culinary teams and maintain consistency under peak service.
• Solid understanding of food costs, inventory, scheduling, and kitchen financials.
• Hands-on leadership style with a passion for training and mentoring culinary talent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and execution in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Lead, train, and develop the culinary team, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable kitchen culture.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and innovative Hawaiian-Japanese dishes.
• Maintain recipe consistency, portion control, and exceptional standards across all kitchen stations.
• Manage kitchen scheduling, inventory, purchasing, and food and labor costs.
• Ensure efficient execution of dine-in service, takeout, delivery, and special events.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

High-volume kitchens

Japanese & Hawaiian cuisine

Job description

Wish You Were Here Group is a multi-concept hospitality group known for creating design-forward, high-energy restaurants that combine elevated cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and best-in-class service. Our portfolio includes acclaimed concepts such as Èlephante, Little Ruby's Café, Dudley's, and Belles Beach House.

We build experience-driven restaurants that operate at a high level while maintaining strong culture, creativity, and operational discipline.

Belles Beach House, a vibrant and high-energy destination in Venice Beach, is looking for an experienced Exec Sous Chef to lead our team. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality setting and have a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, we want to hear from you!

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented, hands‑on Executive Sous Chef to join the culinary leadership team of our vibrant, high-volume restaurant Belles Beach House in Venice.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in high-volume kitchens, a passion for Japanese and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, and the ability to lead a team while maintaining exceptional food quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, this role will oversee daily kitchen operations, develop culinary talent, and ensure seamless execution across all services.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and execution in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Lead, train, and develop the culinary team, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable kitchen culture.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and innovative Hawaiian-Japanese dishes.
• Maintain recipe consistency, portion control, and exceptional standards across all kitchen stations.
• Manage kitchen scheduling, inventory, purchasing, and food and labor costs.
• Ensure efficient execution of dine-in service, takeout, delivery, and special events.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
• Collaborate with FOH leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary experience, including leadership experience as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese cuisine, Asian-inspired cooking techniques, and Hawaiian flavors highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead large culinary teams and maintain consistency during demanding services.
• Solid understanding of food costs, inventory management, scheduling, and kitchen financial performance.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands‑on leadership style with a passion for training, mentoring, and developing culinary talent.
• Current food safety management certification or ability to obtain one.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary leader to join a dynamic restaurant concept that celebrates the bold flavors of Hawaii and Japan.

We are looking for someone who brings culinary creativity, strong operational discipline, and a people-first leadership approach, with the ability to thrive in a busy, energetic kitchen while maintaining exceptional standards.

Wish You Were Here Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.