Lead Sous Chef — High-Volume Scratch Pan-Latin Kitchen

MEXICAN SUGAR, LLC; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 17 days

401(k) match

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance after

Mental health services

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Mexican Sugar in Plano, TX is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to partner with the Executive Chef and lead daily kitchen operations. You will ensure quality, consistency and presentation, while actively supervising a team and maintaining a hands-on presence during prep and service.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in culinary leadership, strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to scratch-made Pan-Latin cuisine.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of kitchen experience in a similar culinary leadership role.
• High-volume, scratch-kitchen experience strongly preferred.
• Culinary arts degree or professional training is a plus.
• Experience leading, training and supervising hourly Team Members.
• Knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment and culinary best practices.
• Experience with scheduling, inventory, purchasing and food-cost controls.
• Strong communication, organization and problem-solving skills.
• Food Handler certification and any additional required food-safety certifications.
• Ability to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays as business needs require.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in leading daily kitchen operations.
• Maintain a hands-on presence throughout preparation and service.
• Ensure recipes, portions and presentation standards are executed consistently.
• Monitor food quality, ticket times and kitchen readiness throughout each shift.
• Maintain the highest level of food quality while actively managing waste.
• Support new menu items, seasonal offerings and special events.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training and developing culinary Team Members.
• Assign responsibilities clearly and coordinate the team to achieve shift goals.
• Provide consistent coaching, recognition and feedback.
• Identify and develop Team Members with leadership potential.
• Foster strong communication between the culinary and front-of-house teams.
• Manage culinary schedules and adjust staffing based on business levels.
• Support inventory, ordering, purchasing and receiving through approved vendors.
• Monitor portioning, waste and product usage to support food-cost goals.
• Maintain accurate product organization, labeling, storage and rotation.
• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency without compromising quality.
• Communicate product, equipment and operational needs to the Executive Chef.
• Maintain a clean, organized and sanitary kitchen.
• Ensure food is received, stored, prepared and served safely.
• Enforce food-handling, sanitation and workplace safety practices.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance concerns promptly.
• Follow our policies and all applicable health and safety requirements.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High-volume cooking

Communication

Food safety

Team supervision

Scheduling

Inventory management

Food-cost controls

Education

Culinary arts degree or training

Job description

Mexican Sugar in Plano, TX is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to partner with the Executive Chef and lead daily kitchen operations. You will ensure quality, consistency and presentation, while actively supervising a team and maintaining a hands-on presence during prep and service.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in culinary leadership, strong organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to scratch-made Pan-Latin cuisine.