Lead Sous Chef – Fine-Dining Kitchen Leader

21c Museum Hotel; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

21c Museum Hotels in St. Louis is looking for a driven Sous Chef to lead line cooks, oversee service periods, and collaborate with the CDC or EC on menu development.

The role demands proficiency across stations, strong leadership, and the ability to keep kitchens running smoothly during busy periods. Candidates should have at least two years in fine dining, solid knife skills, food safety knowledge, excellent English communication, professional appearance, and readiness for background checks.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in a fine dining restaurant environment.
• Understanding of professional cooking and knife handling skills.
• Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling processes.
• Excellent communication skills; must be able to speak, read, and understand English.
• Clean and professional appearance.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for all things 21c.
• Must pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Owns service period and crew.
• Able to be multifaceted with eyes on all kitchen activities.
• Knows the strengths and weaknesses of line staff under supervision, knows what and when to delegate and to whom, and has set clear expectations for the finished product.
• Available to assist line staff with recipe techniques and station prep and answer any questions.
• Abreast of all menu changes, regardless of service period.
• Relays important information about the day service for line staff as they arrive, such as menu changes, station assignments, and private events.
• Ensures that stewarding staff follow their opening, closing, and mid-service side work. Coordinates with CDC on supervising the Stewarding department.
• Maintains clean and organized walk-ins & dry storage area.
• Orders daily and weekly products in conjunction with CDC.
• Stays aware of food and labor costs and makes efforts to control these in their particular service periods.
• Collaborates with CDC and/or EC on menu development and engineering.

Skills

Fine dining

Leadership

English communication

Knife skills

Food safety knowledge

Team supervision

Background check ready

Job description

21c Museum Hotels in St. Louis is looking for a driven Sous Chef to lead line cooks, oversee service periods, and collaborate with the CDC or EC on menu development.

The role demands proficiency across stations, strong leadership, and the ability to keep kitchens running smoothly during busy periods. Candidates should have at least two years in fine dining, solid knife skills, food safety knowledge, excellent English communication, professional appearance, and readiness for background checks.