Lead Sous Chef — High-Volume Kitchen & Team Leader

Sky Chefs; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Free meals & parking

Career growth

Job summary

SkyChefs is seeking a Sous Chef in Portland, OR, on-site. The role centers on leading a high-volume kitchen, delivering high-quality meals, coaching a culinary team, and driving efficiency. The company provides strong benefits and growth opportunities, with a focus on safety, quality, and collaboration.

The Sous Chef will support the Executive Chef, manage daily kitchen operations, and help translate menus into exceptional plates while maintaining standards and cost controls.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in commercial cooking, high-volume experience preferred.
• Apprenticeship or certification from culinary school.
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, hygiene, inventory control).
• Strong communication, organizational and time-management abilities.
• Understanding of cost control and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the kitchen team daily, coaching and helping everyone stay confident and on track.
• Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when unavailable (vacations, off-days, menu presentations).
• Executes and supervises food production activities (cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking).
• Cook, plate meals, ensuring high presentation and taste.
• Maintain quality and food safety as top priorities, ensuring consistency.
• Monitor portions to meet standard guests' expectations, and manage kitchen timing and flow.
• Assist with inventory, deliveries, and waste reduction to control costs.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that the team takes pride in.
• Contribute ideas to menus and help launch new dishes.
• Support scheduling and provide feedback to grow the team.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Communication

Organizational

Time-management

Cost control

Education

Culinary apprenticeship/certification

Job description

SkyChefs is seeking a Sous Chef in Portland, OR, on-site. The role centers on leading a high-volume kitchen, delivering high-quality meals, coaching a culinary team, and driving efficiency. The company provides strong benefits and growth opportunities, with a focus on safety, quality, and collaboration.

The Sous Chef will support the Executive Chef, manage daily kitchen operations, and help translate menus into exceptional plates while maintaining standards and cost controls.