Executive Sous Chef - LAVO Tampa

Tao Group Hospitality; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

401(k) Retirement Program withEmployer

Life and Disability Insurance Plans

Ancillary Insurance Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Fertility & Family Forming Support and

Pet Insurance

TAO Marketplace

Employee Discounts

Time off and much more!

Job summary

Tao Group Hospitality is hiring an Executive Sous Chef to lead heart-of-house operations for two new Tampa venues, LAVO and BarOnda. You will coach a high-performing team, ensure food quality, and manage inventory and standards in a fast-paced setting on the waterfront.

The role emphasizes menu planning, staff development, and collaboration with the General Manager to deliver exceptional hospitality and profitability. Extensive experience in high-volume kitchens is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as Executive Sous Chef or similar in a high-volume kitchen.
• Two-year associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Strong menu planning, leadership, problem-solving, and coaching skills.
• Financial acumen with P&L and labor models desirable.
• Organized, proactive, detail-oriented.
• Proficient with computers, POS, and related tech.

Responsibilities

• Assist Exec Chef in leading daily heart-of-house operations and team.
• Oversee scheduling, growth opportunities, and development of heart-of-house staff.
• Support interviewing, hiring, and training of new applicants.
• Ensure safety, quality, and recipe accuracy; drive profitability.
• Oversee service, catering, take-out, delivery, and events.
• Manage payroll, inventory, and purchasing systems.

Skills

Executive Sous Chef experience

Culinary leadership

Menu planning

Team training

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts

Culinary certification or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Kitchen management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa’s waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We’re building our opening teams now. Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match
• Life and Disability Insurance Plans
• Ancillary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources
• Pet Insurance
• TAO Marketplace
• Employee Discounts
• Time off and much more!

Assists the Executive Chef in leading the daily activities of the heart-of-house operations and team members in accordance with department policies and procedures. Interacts with fellow team members, and supervisors in a polite and courteous manner to ensure gracious hospitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Ensuring the needs of the guests are accommodated
• Ensures the general cleanliness of the heart-of-house, and the entire venue
• Assists in the decision‑making process for interviewing, hiring, and training new applicants
• Responsible for the scheduling, growth opportunities, and team member development of heart‑of‑house team members
• Works with GM to create job performance reviews
• Responsible for heart‑of‑house operations to ensure safety, quality, recipe accuracy, and financial profitability
• Responsible for the execution of regular service, catering, take‑out, delivery, and all in/off‑venue events
• Possesses in‑depth knowledge of operational systems, which includes payroll, inventory, and purchasing
• Participates in reviewing the venue’s monthly Profit & Loss statement
• Ensures Department of Health and company sanitation standards
• Ensures that the venue is compliant with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and company policies
• Coaches and develops heart‑of‑house team members by setting clear guidelines and expectations
• Ensures that all mechanical systems are in good working order and compliant with all federal, state, and local ordinances
• Ensures all team members are compliant with all heart‑of‑house standards and procedures
• Ensures the preparation and delivery of menu‑focus items to daily pre‑service meetings
• Possesses in‑depth knowledge of all recipes, and food menus and maintains station recipe books
• Organize, develop and produce new recipes for potential new menu items and specials
• Ensures the completion of all opening and closing procedures as prescribed by the company
• Communicates clearly and concisely with all team members during service
• Practical knowledge of the job duties of all supervised team members
• Assists in overseeing the replacement or repair of all breakage, and damage to equipment or furniture
• Attends, leads, and participates in any training sessions, departmental meetings, or daily pre‑shift meetings
• Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example
• Portrays a positive and professional attitude
• Demonstrates knowledge of the venue, Tao Group Hospitality, its partners and supporting hotel environments
• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members
• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Tao Group Hospitality in‑venue Executive Sous Chef training

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 5 years of previous culinary experience as an Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Sous Chef within a high‑volume kitchen setting is essential
• Two-year associate degree (60 credit hours) in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience preferred
• Strong menu planning, ability to coach, build a team, problem solve, and leadership skills required
• Demonstrated financial acumen with P&L statements, and labor models is desirable
• Must be organized, self‑motivated, and proactive with strong attention to detail
• Proficient with computers (Microsoft Products), POS, and technology

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE:

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
• Must be able to move quickly
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working Environment
• Exposure to hot kitchen elements or cleaning materials
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well‑groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co‑workers in a professional, courteous manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle a fast‑paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment