Onboard Sous Chef: Lead Galley & Menu Design

Hornblower Corp; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hornblower Corp. seeks a skilled Sous Chef to support an onboard culinary team, assisting the Executive Chef with planning, preparing, and delivering high‑quality meals for guests and crew.

You will design menus, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure strict food safety and sanitation standards are met in a dynamic maritime environment. Strong leadership, creativity, and flexibility to work irregular hours are essential.

Qualifications

• High school or culinary degree or relevant culinary training preferred.
• Minimum three years of total kitchen experience in full‑service/banquet, high‑volume environment.
• At least one year of kitchen staff management experience.
• Minimum two years formal culinary training or two years additional kitchen experience in a full‑service/banquet environment.
• SERV Safe certification is required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in designing and executing menus for guests and crew.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes meeting high culinary standards.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff for smooth operations.
• Oversee galley cleanliness and health/safety standards.
• Recruit culinary staff when needed and train junior team members.
• Manage inventory and place orders as needed to control costs.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Communication

Pressure Handling

Schedule Flexibility

Attention to Detail

Creativity

Education

High school diploma or culinary degree

Formal culinary training

Tools

SERV Safe Certification

Job description

Hornblower Corp. seeks a skilled Sous Chef to support an onboard culinary team, assisting the Executive Chef with planning, preparing, and delivering high‑quality meals for guests and crew.

You will design menus, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure strict food safety and sanitation standards are met in a dynamic maritime environment. Strong leadership, creativity, and flexibility to work irregular hours are essential.