Lead Sous Chef: Culinary Leader in High-Volume F&B

Odawa Casino Resort; Petoskey (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Odawa Casino Resort is seeking a Lead Sous Chef to assist the Executive Chef in directing all daily culinary operations. This senior role ensures exceptional food quality, safe kitchen practices, and efficient labor and cost management across restaurants, banquet events, and catering.

You will supervise culinary staff, support menu development, train team members, and step in as kitchen leader during the Executive Chef's absence, driving department goals and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's Degree or formal culinary certification required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive culinary leadership experience in a high-volume environment.
• Minimum ten (10) years of professional culinary experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous supervisory or management experience required.
• Casino, resort, hotel, or multi-outlet F&B experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops a high-performing culinary team; schedules staff and manages performance.
• Oversees day-to-day food production and service to ensure quality and presentation standards.
• Assists with menu development, recipe creation, testing and implementation.
• Manages food and labor costs; monitors inventory and waste; supports purchasing.
• Maintains SOPs for culinary operations and enforces food safety compliance.
• Provides hands-on leadership during service periods and ensures a safe kitchen environment.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Labor scheduling

Team development

Budgeting

Staff training

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's Degree or formal culinary certification

Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts/ Hospitality

Tools

Microsoft Office

Food Trak

Inventory management systems

Job description

Odawa Casino Resort is seeking a Lead Sous Chef to assist the Executive Chef in directing all daily culinary operations. This senior role ensures exceptional food quality, safe kitchen practices, and efficient labor and cost management across restaurants, banquet events, and catering.

You will supervise culinary staff, support menu development, train team members, and step in as kitchen leader during the Executive Chef's absence, driving department goals and guest satisfaction.