Lead European Kitchen Sous Chef — NYC, Culinary Leader

LUDICO; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ludico in New York, NY is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to partner with the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine to oversee daily kitchen operations, production, and quality control.

The ideal candidate brings strong European culinary technique, proven leadership, and the ability to develop team members, manage schedules and food costs, and sustain the restaurant’s high standards of hospitality and craftsmanship.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years as sous chef or senior kitchen leader in fine dining or luxury hospitality.
• Strong technical expertise across hot and cold stations, sauces, and plating.
• Experience with Mediterranean or European cuisine is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills.
• Experience creating staff schedules and managing labor costs.
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily kitchen operations across stations.
• Oversee prep, production, and execution of dishes per concept.
• Ensure dishes meet recipes and standards.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
• Assist with menu development and seasonal offerings.
• Create prep and production schedules.
• Maintain stocked, organized stations and pars.
• Support events and private dining initiatives.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

European cuisine

Labor cost control

Inventory management

Staff scheduling

HACCP & food safety

Team development

Vendor relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Excel

Restaurant mgmt systems

Job description

Ludico in New York, NY is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to partner with the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine to oversee daily kitchen operations, production, and quality control.

The ideal candidate brings strong European culinary technique, proven leadership, and the ability to develop team members, manage schedules and food costs, and sustain the restaurant’s high standards of hospitality and craftsmanship.