Executive Sous Chef

Sideout Athlete Development; Middleburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Employee discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Goodstone seeks an Executive Sous Chef for Grayson's at Goodstone, a luxury restaurant at the estate. This hands-on leadership role drives culinary excellence, mentors the team, and partners with the Executive Chef to deliver plated perfection and memorable guest experiences.

The role requires leadership, seasonal cooking expertise, strong cost control, and ServSafe-certified operations in a high-end setting. Expect a busy, on-site kitchen with room for growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience.
• Minimum of 2 years in a Sous Chef or culinary leadership position.
• Experience in upscale, luxury, boutique hotel, resort, or fine dining environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of seasonal cooking, scratch kitchens, and farm-to-table cuisine.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing labor, inventory, purchasing, and food costs.
• ServSafe Certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
• Work side-by-side with the culinary team during prep and service.
• Execute seasonal menus with consistency, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Ensure every dish reflects Grayson's at Goodstone standards.
• Assist with recipe development, menu planning, and seasonal offerings.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to elevate the guest dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Culinary creativity

Farm-to-table

Food safety

Inventory management

Communication

Time management

Labor cost control

Sanitation knowledge

Education

ServSafe Certification

Job description

About Goodstone

Nestled on 265 acres in the heart of Virginia wine country, Goodstone is a luxury destination where exceptional hospitality, refined accommodations, and unforgettable culinary experiences come together.

Benefits

• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts

Executive Sous Chef

Grayson's at Goodstone

Department: Culinary

Reports To: Executive Chef

About Goodstone

Nestled on 265 acres in the heart of Virginia wine country, Goodstone is a luxury destination where exceptional hospitality, refined accommodations, and unforgettable culinary experiences come together.

Home to The Goodstone Inn, our boutique inn, and Grayson's at Goodstone, our estate-driven restaurant, Goodstone offers guests an experience rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. At Grayson's at Goodstone, the land sets the menu. Our culinary team works hand in hand with the seasons, harvesting ingredients from Goodstone Farm and partnering with local producers to create thoughtful dishes that celebrate Virginia's agricultural heritage. Every plate tells the story of the estate - from garden to table - with simplicity, creativity, and exceptional execution.

Position Summary

The Executive Sous Chef is the operational leader of the kitchen and the Executive Chef's primary partner in delivering exceptional culinary experiences at Grayson's at Goodstone. This is a highly hands‑on leadership role for a chef who enjoys being on the line, coaching the team during service, and maintaining the highest culinary standards every day. The Executive Sous Chef helps oversee all kitchen operations, develops culinary talent, ensures consistency in execution, manages labor and food costs, and fosters a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

When the Executive Chef is away, the Executive Sous Chef assumes responsibility for the entire culinary operation.

Essential Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Lead daily kitchen operations while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
• Work side-by-side with the culinary team during prep and service.
• Execute seasonal menus with consistency, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Ensure every dish reflects the quality and presentation standards of Grayson's at Goodstone.
• Assist with recipe development, menu planning, and seasonal offerings.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to continuously elevate the guest dining experience.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop all culinary team members.
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and work ethic.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.
• Train employees on recipes, cooking techniques, food presentation, sanitation, and safety.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture built on respect and teamwork.

Food and Safety Compliance

• Maintain strict compliance with health department regulations and company standards.
• Ensure ServSafe, sanitation, labeling, temperature, storage, and HACCP practices are consistently followed.
• Promote a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.

Operational Excellence

• Assume responsibility for the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Collaborate with Front of House leadership to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Maintain calm, decisive leadership during busy service periods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the culinary operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience.
• Minimum of 2 years in a Sous Chef or culinary leadership position.
• Experience in upscale, luxury, boutique hotel, resort, or fine dining environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of seasonal cooking, scratch kitchens, and farm-to‑table cuisine.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience managing labor, inventory, purchasing, and food costs.
• ServSafe Certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

Core Skills

• Leadership and team development
• Culinary creativity and fine dining execution
• Farm-to-table and seasonal menu knowledge
• Food safety and sanitation
• Inventory, labor, and cost control
• Communication, organization, and time management

Work Schedule

This is a full-time leadership position requiring flexibility to meet the needs of the business. The Executive Sous Chef must be available to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts during peak business periods and special events.

The position typically requires approximately 50-60 hours per week, depending on business needs, and is expected to maintain a visible, hands‑on presence in the kitchen, particularly during service.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently bend, reach, twist, and climb stairs.
• Work safely in hot, fast‑paced kitchen environments.
• Use knives and commercial kitchen equipment safely.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective Day 61
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match after one year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Employee referral and bonus programs
• Family meal and free parking
• Employee discounts at The Goodstone Inn and Grayson's at Goodstone
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general responsibilities of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may change at any time based on business needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Goodstone is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Goodstone is a drug-free workplace. Pre‑employment and/or post‑offer drug and alcohol screening may be required in accordance with applicable laws and company policy.