Executive Sous Chef — Lead a High-End, Fast-Paced Kitchen

Goodwin Recruiting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) participation

Medical insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Five-day workweek

Dining perks

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for a distinctive upscale dining venue in Washington, DC. This hands-on culinary leader will drive food quality, consistency, and staff development in a fast-paced operation.

Responsibilities include directing kitchen teams, overseeing production, menu collaboration, inventory, and cost control, while maintaining health and safety standards. The role offers base salary $80,000–$90,000 and generous benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Sous Chef in upscale or fine-dining.
• Strong culinary skills with American cuisine knowledge.
• Ability to lead, train, and develop kitchen teams.
• High standards for food quality, consistency, presentation.
• Knowledge of inventory management, food costs, and kitchen operations.
• Food safety and sanitation standards knowledge.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on leadership style with accountability.

Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and develop kitchen personnel, including Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Dishwashers.
• Oversee daily food preparation, production, and execution to ensure quality and presentation.
• Delegate preparation tasks and set clear expectations for kitchen team members.
• Monitor food quality through taste, temperature, portion, and presentation.
• Establish standardized recipes, procedures, and portion specifications.
• Coordinate food preparation and expedite orders for timely service.
• Manage prepared food inventories and support cost-control initiatives.
• Develop work schedules for preparation and stewarding teams.
• Train staff in kitchen procedures, food handling, equipment operation, and safety.
• Inspect kitchen facilities and equipment to ensure health and sanitation compliance.
• Participate in menu development and collaborate on new dishes and production planning.
• Foster a professional, collaborative kitchen culture centered on accountability and excellence.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Quality control

Menu planning

Food safety

Inventory control

Communication

Job description

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for a distinctive upscale dining venue in Washington, DC. This hands-on culinary leader will drive food quality, consistency, and staff development in a fast-paced operation.

Responsibilities include directing kitchen teams, overseeing production, menu collaboration, inventory, and cost control, while maintaining health and safety standards. The role offers base salary $80,000–$90,000 and generous benefits.