Executive Sous Chef for Upscale Dining - Lucy's Restaurant

Lucy's Eatery; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

Lucy’s Eatery in Auburn, AL is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to partner with the Executive Chef in directing all kitchen operations. This senior role mixes hands-on cooking with strategic leadership to drive menu innovation, cost control, and staff development.

You will lead the BOH team, manage labor costs and scheduling, uphold top food safety standards, and foster a collaborative culture that reflects Lucy’s hospitality. Salary is $65,000 base plus performance-based bonus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a senior culinary leadership role in a high-volume kitchen.
• Proven ability to lead and train a culinary team and manage operations.
• Experience with seasonal, locally sourced menus and brand standards.
• Strong communication and decision-making under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring flavor, presentation, and consistency.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and seasonal innovation.
• Lead and mentor the BOH team with clear direction and growth opportunities.
• Manage labor costs, scheduling, inventory, and vendor relationships.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and compliance with health regulations.
• Drive cost-control strategies for food and labor expenses to meet targets.
• Assist in implementing systems for efficiency, consistency, and quality control.
• Represent the Executive Chef in their absence and lead kitchen operations.

Skills

Senior culinary leadership

Team leadership

Cost control

Menu development

Communication

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Executive Sous Chef - Lucy's Modern American Eatery

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Pay: $65,000 Base Salary + Bonus (Bonus Based on Financial Performance)

Job Type: Full-Time / Salary

About Lucy's: https://www.instagram.com/eatatlucys/

Lucy's is a modern American neighborhood eatery serving seasonal, contemporary cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Our shared plates, award-winning cocktails, and curated wine program create an experience rooted in hospitality and "good vibes only." We believe our team is our greatest asset and are committed to cultivating an environment where culinary creativity and operational excellence go hand in hand.

Position Overview:

The Executive Sous Chef is a senior culinary leader who partners closely with the Executive Chef to direct all kitchen operations with precision, creativity, and consistency. This role is a blend of hands-on culinary execution and strategic oversight-driving menu innovation, cost control, team development, and operational efficiency. As the Executive Sous Chef, you’ll serve as the second-in-command in the kitchen, with full leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef. You’ll set the tone for culinary excellence, ensure operational standards are met, and foster a culture that inspires and empowers your team to perform at their highest level.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary operations, ensuring excellence in flavor, presentation, and consistency
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and seasonal innovation
• Lead and mentor the BOH team, providing clear direction and professional growth opportunities
• Manage labor costs, scheduling, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and compliance with health regulations
• Drive cost control strategies, monitoring food and labor expenses to achieve budget targets
• Assist in developing and implementing systems for efficiency, consistency, and quality control
• Represent the Executive Chef in their absence, leading kitchen operations and decision-making
• Foster a collaborative, positive work culture aligned with Lucy's brand values

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years in a senior culinary leadership role (Sous Chef or similar) in a high-volume, quality-driven kitchen
• Proven ability to lead, train, and inspire a culinary team - Strong operational and financial management skills
• Creative and passionate about seasonal, locally driven menus
• Calm and decisive under pressure
• Professional appearance and demeanor in line with Lucy's brand - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Serve Safe certification
• Experience in modern American cuisine or upscale casual dining

Benefits (Full-time, after waiting period)

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance

Why Join Us?

As Executive Sous Chef at Lucy's, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the culinary vision while leading an exceptional team in an environment that values creativity, leadership, and work-life balance. This is your chance to make an impact-not just on the plate, but on the entire guest experience.

*Waiting period required for all new employees / Waiting period varies by benefit / Benefits offering may vary

Conditions of Employment

All offers of employment with Lucy's Modern American Eatery are contingent upon the successful completion of:

1. Background Check - A satisfactory background investigation, which may include verification of employment history, education, and any other information relevant to the position.
2. Drug Screening - A pre-employment drug test with negative results. Failure to successfully complete or pass either requirement may result in the withdrawal of an employment offer or termination of employment if results are received after the start date.

By accepting an offer of employment, the candidate acknowledges and agrees to these conditions as a requirement for hiring and continued employment.