EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF - DAL

ZAZA HOLDINGS LLC; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hotel discounts

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Hotel ZaZa Dallas is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to join our Culinary Leadership Team. This hands-on leader will act as the Executive Chef's second-in-command, directing daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and brand standards across outlets, banquets, and room service.

Ideal candidates bring five years of progressive culinary leadership in luxury settings, with strong knowledge of food safety, cost controls, and staff development to deliver

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive culinary leadership experience in hotel, resort, or upscale dining operations.
• Luxury hotel or upscale hospitality experience strongly preferred.
• Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain certification.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in directing all culinary operations throughout the hotel.
• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Supervise culinary teams across restaurants, banquets, room service, catering, and special events.
• Ensure all menu items are prepared according to recipes and brand standards.
• Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and organization across kitchen areas.

Job description

Executive Sous Chef – Hotel ZaZa DallasLocation: DallasReports To: Executive ChefExperience Required: Prior culinary leadership experience in a luxury hotel, resort, upscale restaurant, or hospitality environment.Markets: DallasAbout Hotel ZaZaHotel ZaZa is a collection of luxury boutique hotels recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences through distinctive accommodations, personalized service, and attention to detail. At Hotel ZaZa Dallas, our associates are passionate about creating memorable moments and exceeding guest expectations in every interaction.We are seeking an experienced, innovative, and results-driven Executive Sous Chef to join our Culinary Leadership Team. This individual will serve as the Executive Chef's second-in-command and play a critical role in overseeing daily culinary operations while ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, sanitation, and team development that reflect the Hotel ZaZa luxury experience.Position OverviewThe Executive Sous Chef is responsible for assisting in the overall management and leadership of culinary operations, including restaurant outlets, banquets, in-room dining, catering, and special events. This position ensures the consistent execution of culinary standards, menu specifications, labor management, food cost controls, and food safety compliance.The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong culinary expertise, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for mentoring culinary talent while delivering memorable guest experiences.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist the Executive Chef in directing all culinary operations throughout the hotel.Lead day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.Supervise culinary teams across restaurants, banquets, room service, catering, and special events.Ensure all menu items are prepared according to established recipes, specifications, and brand standards.Maintain high standards of sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and organization throughout all kitchen areas.Oversee production schedules and kitchen workflow to ensure efficient execution during all meal periods.Train, coach, mentor, and develop culinary team members and supervisors.Participate in recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning initiatives.Monitor labor productivity and scheduling to align with business demands and financial objectives.Assist with menu development, seasonal offerings, promotions, and culinary innovation.Monitor inventory levels and oversee ordering, receiving, storage, and product rotation procedures.Ensure compliance with FIFO inventory practices and proper food handling procedures.Support food cost management initiatives through portion control, waste reduction, and inventory management.Conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance with health department regulations and company standards.Assist in the planning and execution of VIP events, weddings, corporate functions, and special culinary experiences.Partner with Front-of-House leaders to ensure seamless guest service and operational excellence.Address operational challenges and implement solutions to maintain service standards.Safely oversee the operation of all commercial kitchen equipment.Participate in departmental meetings and culinary planning sessions.Serve as acting leader of the culinary operation in the absence of the Executive Chef.Comply with all company policies, safety procedures, and brand standards.Perform other duties as assigned by management.Passion for culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.Strong leadership and team development skills.Comprehensive knowledge of culinary operations, food production, and kitchen management.Strong organizational and time-management abilities.Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.Ability to lead by example and foster a positive team culture.Professional appearance and demeanor.Dependable attendance and punctuality.Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.Preferred QualificationsMinimum of five years of progressive culinary leadership experience in hotel, resort, or upscale dining operations.Luxury hotel experience strongly preferred.Previous experience as an Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef.Strong knowledge of food costing, menu engineering, purchasing, and labor management.Experience overseeing multiple culinary outlets and banquet operations.Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain certification.ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.Knowledge of local, state, and federal food safety regulations..Physical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods during scheduled shifts.Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift regularly.Ability to lift and carry food products, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.Ability to work in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and tools.Ability to work extended hours during high-volume events and peak business periods.Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchen environment.Frequent interaction with culinary team members, service staff, managers, vendors, and guests.Exposure to temperature variations, including ovens, grills, fryers, walk-in coolers, and freezers.Fast-paced hospitality environment with varying levels of activity.Evening shifts required, including weekends, holidays, and special events.Professional appearance and grooming standards consistent with Hotel ZaZa expectations.Compensation and BenefitsHotel ZaZa offers a competitive compensation package, which may include salary, bonus opportunities where applicable, health and welfare benefits, paid time off, retirement savings plans, employee assistance programs, and hotel discounts, subject to eligibility requirements and company policies.Why Join Us?At Hotel ZaZa, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers that inspire. Be part of a brand that celebrates individuality, creativity, and excellence in every detail.No Job Description for a position can possibly include all duties, which may be requested by guests or required by the hotel. The objective of all positions is to effectively provide the services personally, or to immediately refer requests to the appropriate department manager. Hotel ZaZa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender/sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age, or veteran status. Hotel ZaZa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources. Hotel ZaZa also participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.