Restaurant Sous Chef

BENCHMARK; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Career development

Job summary

Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, CA is seeking an experienced Restaurant Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. You will assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations for The View Restaurant, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and service in a resort setting.

You will lead and develop line cooks and stewards, manage inventory, food cost controls, and collaborate with Front of House to deliver memorable guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Sous Chef experience in a high-volume restaurant, resort, or hotel.
• Culinary degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ServSafe certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in daily restaurant kitchen operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop line cooks, prep cooks, and stewards.
• Ensure food is prepared, plated, and presented to standards.
• Manage food ordering, inventory, and cost controls.
• Support menu development and seasonal features.
• Collaborate with Front of House to deliver guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Culinary techniques

Food safety

Sanitation standards

Inventory management

Food cost controls

Flexibility

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

# Restaurant Sous Chef**$1,000 Sign-On Bonus****$500 paid after 30 days of employment in good standing.****$500 paid after 90 days of employment in good standing.**## Position SummaryChaminade Resort & Spa is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Restaurant Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. Nestled on 300 scenic acres overlooking Monterey Bay, Chaminade offers an elevated dining experience featuring locally inspired cuisine, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences.The Restaurant Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in leading the daily operations of The View Restaurant kitchen. This role ensures exceptional food quality, consistency, sanitation, and team leadership while maintaining profitability and an outstanding culinary experience for our guests.## Essential Responsibilities* Assist the Executive Chef in all aspects of daily restaurant kitchen operations.* Lead, coach, and develop line cooks, prep cooks, and stewards while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.* Ensure all food is prepared, plated, and presented according to established recipes and quality standards.* Maintain consistency in taste, presentation, portion control, and execution.* Supervise kitchen operations during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events as assigned.* Monitor food quality and ensure timely ticket execution during service.* Assist with menu development, seasonal features, and daily specials.* Manage food ordering, inventory, and product rotation while minimizing waste.* Maintain food cost goals through proper purchasing, portioning, and inventory control.* Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.* Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.* Train new culinary team members on recipes, cooking techniques, safety standards, and company expectations.* Collaborate with Front of House leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences.* Assist with scheduling, labor management, and productivity goals.* Support banquet and resort culinary operations when business demands require.* Participate in employee coaching, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action when appropriate.## Qualifications* Minimum 3 years of Sous Chef experience in a high-volume full-service restaurant, resort, or hotel.* Culinary degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.* Strong leadership and team development skills.* Excellent knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety, and sanitation standards.* Experience with inventory management, ordering, and food cost controls.* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.* Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.* ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.## Physical Requirements* Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.* Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.* Work safely in hot, cold, wet, and fast-paced kitchen environments.* Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.## Why Join Chaminade Resort & Spa?At Chaminade Resort & Spa, we believe our associates create unforgettable experiences for every guest. As part of our culinary team, you'll have the opportunity to work in a beautiful resort setting while growing your career with one of the hospitality industry's leading management companies.### Benefits* Competitive salary of **$75K - $85K annually, negotiable depending on experience*** Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance* 401(k) with company match* Paid Time Off* Employee resort discounts* Career development and advancement opportunities* Supportive and collaborative leadership teamJoin us and help create exceptional dining experiences while making a difference for our guests and fellow associates every day.