High-Impact Sous Chef — Lead a Dynamic, Quality-Driven Kitchen

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Dining Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our Heart of the House and uphold the high standards of quality and hospitality that our iconic steakhouse is known for.

This hands-on leader will develop people, deliver outstanding food, and build a successful culinary operation in a fast-paced environment. You will manage daily kitchen operations, supervise and coach a high-performing team, and ensure adherence to recipes, portion standards, and safety

Qualifications

• Previous culinary leadership experience in a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Experience supervising and developing a high-performing kitchen team.
• Knowledge of food cost, labor management, inventory control, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• A genuine commitment to food quality, hospitality, teamwork, and professional development.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary degree or certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop Heart of the House team members.
• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate culinary team members.
• Maintain Smith & Wollensky’s standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.
• Monitor food and labor costs while investigating inventory and product variances.
• Ensure recipes, portion standards, and approved products are consistently followed.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and workplace safety.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product control.
• Resolve team member and guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Take ownership of Heart of the House operations in the Executive Chef’s absence.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Food cost management

Inventory control

Kitchen operations

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree or certificate preferred

Job description

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our Heart of the House and uphold the high standards of quality and hospitality that our iconic steakhouse is known for.

This hands-on leader will develop people, deliver outstanding food, and build a successful culinary operation in a fast-paced environment. You will manage daily kitchen operations, supervise and coach a high-performing team, and ensure adherence to recipes, portion standards, and safety