Hands-on Sous Chef — Lead Line, Evening Service, Growth

Mis en Place; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Paid sick days

Flexible scheduling

Closed major holidays

Job summary

La Fête in Wilmington is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join its independent, chef-driven, upscale-casual restaurant.

You will work directly with the Chef and ownership, leading a team of 5–10, shaping training, systems, menu development, and daily execution. This role offers growth, high standards, and a strong kitchen culture focused on quality, organization, and professional development. The position is full-time, with an evening schedule and holiday closures.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience in a high‑quality restaurant kitchen preferred.
• Previous lead cook, supervisory, or kitchen leadership experience preferred.
• Strong scratch‑cooking fundamentals.
• Chef‑driven, upscale‑casual, elevated full‑service, or fine‑dining restaurant experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working through high‑volume service.
• Strong food safety and sanitation knowledge.
• Ability to follow written recipes and instructions consistently.
• Experience training or helping develop other cooks.
• Understanding of prep systems, inventory, waste, and cost control.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Dependable, professional, and composed under pressure.
• Coachable, solution‑oriented, and willing to take ownership.
• Humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to continue improving.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and reach, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• English proficiency required

Responsibilities

• Support the Chef with daily kitchen operations
• Lead and supervise approximately 5–10 kitchen employees
• Work actively on the line and support service as needed
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and execution
• Follow and reinforce written recipes, procedures, and preparation standards
• Organize prep and support efficient station setup
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen employees
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards
• Support inventory, waste management, and food cost controls
• Maintain proper product handling and storage
• Communicate clearly with the Chef, ownership, and kitchen team
• Help improve kitchen systems and operational consistency
• Contribute to menu development and continued improvement of the culinary program
• Maintain composure, urgency, and organization during busy service

Skills

Lead cook

Scratch cooking

English proficiency

Job description

La Fête in Wilmington is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join its independent, chef-driven, upscale-casual restaurant.

You will work directly with the Chef and ownership, leading a team of 5–10, shaping training, systems, menu development, and daily execution. This role offers growth, high standards, and a strong kitchen culture focused on quality, organization, and professional development. The position is full-time, with an evening schedule and holiday closures.