Junior Sous Chef

Lewis Cellars; Napa (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in luxury hospitality is seeking a Junior Sous Chef to join their state-of-the-art kitchen. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a world-class dining experience, blending culinary creativity with leadership responsibilities. As part of a passionate team, you will oversee kitchen operations, maintain high standards of food quality, and manage staff to ensure seamless service. If you are enthusiastic about fine dining and committed to exceptional service, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Benefits

Medical Coverage

Vision and Dental Plans

401k with Match Eligibility

Online Physician Consultations

Virtual Mental Health Resources

Career Advancement Opportunities

Learning and Development Resources

Mentorship Program

Continuous Improvement Training

Community Service Projects

Qualifications

• 3+ years of fine dining culinary experience required.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations and ensure high food quality standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff and coordinate activities during service.

Skills

Culinary Skills

Leadership Skills

Time Management

Menu Design

Food Safety Knowledge

Teamwork

Education

Culinary Degree

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Company Description
A new era of luxury hospitality is coming to Napa. Opening this year, Lewis Cellars will build on its legacy, now with a reimagined estate and a world-class culinary program led by our MICHELIN-Starred Executive Chef. This is more than just a new tasting room—it's an opportunity to shape something extraordinary at a destination where handcrafted wines meet exceptional service.

As we prepare to unveil this incredible property, we seek passionate professionals to be part of the journey—bringing warmth, expertise, and a commitment to providing unparalleled customer service. If you’re passionate about hospitality, fine wine, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.

We are hiring a Junior Sous Chef to join our newly designed, state-of-the-art kitchen and help build a world-class dining experience. Under the direction of the Winery Chef, the Junior Sous Chef will oversee kitchen operations, ensure high standards of food quality, and manage kitchen staff. This role blends both administrative and hands-on culinary responsibilities to ensure seamless kitchen operations.

This full-time role requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and the ability to work evening shifts as needed.

Job Description

• Oversee and assist in preparing and cooking dishes to the highest quality and presentation standards
• Work in all stations, help with daily kitchen prep work and manage station set-up before service
• Maintain consistency in portion sizes and flavor profiles
• Innovate and contribute ideas for new menu items; assist with menu planning and cost control
• Supervise kitchen staff and coordinate activities during service
• Ensure smooth operation in the Senior Sous Chef’s or Head Chef's absence
• Manage inventory and assist in ordering supplies
• Uphold food hygiene and sanitation regulations
• Conduct regular cleaning and maintenance checks on equipment
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff
• Foster a positive and productive team environment
• Address and resolve kitchen issues promptly
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen equipment while monitoring food preparation to ensure timely service

Qualifications

• 3+ years of fine dining culinary experience
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or management experience and ability to train staff
• Culinary degree preferred
• Serv-Safe Certified
• Strong culinary skills and cooking techniques; understanding of proper use of major kitchen equipment, including stoves, refrigeration, slicers, and knives
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Teamwork-oriented and have a calm, approachable demeanor
• Food and beverage knowledge, and a commitment to quality service
• Demonstrated strong ability to work well under pressure
• Strong leadership skills and can establish direction, and execute appropriate logistical processes
• Comfortable in dealing with guests and purveyors daily
• Proficient in menu design and cost control
• Exceptional attention to detail while working in a high-energy and demanding environment
• Superb time management and organizational skills

Pay Range: $31.00 - $34.00 per hour. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.

Additional Information

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage, comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future, including:
• 24/7 online physician consultations
• Virtual mental health resources
• Life coaching
• Engaging employee community groups
• Cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
• Library of on-demand fitness videos
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
• Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
• Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
• Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
• Building a Healthy Society: We focus on improving the social determinants of a healthy society—quality education and medical care, economic mobility, and a healthy environment—to help build thriving communities.
• Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.

As part of The Wonderful Wines portfolio—alongside JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and Landmark Vineyards—Lewis Cellars is a luxury Napa Valley winery specializing in bold, opulent reds and seductive Chardonnays. The winery emphasizes the importance of the journey from grape to glass, crafting world-class wines that are unmistakably Lewis.

The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

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Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Customer Service

Industries: Manufacturing