Lead Italian Kitchen Sous Chef | High-Volume & Growth

Mama Ricottas; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (employer-paid)

Dental insurance (employer-paid)

Life insurance (employer-paid)

Paid time off

Training and career advancement

Job summary

Sous Chef at Mama Ricotta's Italian Kitchen in Charlotte, NC, is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a high-volume kitchen. You will run the line during service, ensure every plate meets our recipes and plating specs, and maintain the standards that have made us a Charlotte staple.

You will lead, train, and coach kitchen staff, manage food and labor costs, and ensure strict food safety. This role offers growth as we expand to new locations and a chance to shape our culinary team.

Qualifications

• Real command of Italian cooking: sauces, pasta, sautés, braises, and house-made items.
• Leadership that stays calm and clear on a busy night.
• Working knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory.
• Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead the line during service, keep tickets moving and plates consistent with recipes and plating specs.
• Prepare and oversee house-made items and traditional Italian dishes to standards.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen team; coach them toward their next role.
• Manage food and labor costs through ordering, receiving, inventory, prep planning, and waste control.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards and keep the kitchen inspection-ready.
• Lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to keep the restaurant in sync.

Skills

Italian cooking

Team leadership

Food cost & inventory

Food safety (ServSafe)

Availability nights/weekends/holidays

Job description

Sous Chef at Mama Ricotta's Italian Kitchen in Charlotte, NC, is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a high-volume kitchen. You will run the line during service, ensure every plate meets our recipes and plating specs, and maintain the standards that have made us a Charlotte staple.

You will lead, train, and coach kitchen staff, manage food and labor costs, and ensure strict food safety. This role offers growth as we expand to new locations and a chance to shape our culinary team.