Restaurant Sous Chef — Lead, Create & Mentor (Sign-On)

Chaminade Resort & Spa; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Employee resort discounts

Career development and advancement

Supportive and collaborative leader­sh

Job summary

Chaminade Resort & Spa, located in Santa Cruz, CA, seeks a seasoned Restaurant Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. Nestled on 300 scenic acres overlooking Monterey Bay, the resort offers an elevated dining experience with locally inspired cuisine, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences.

Join a resort culture that nurtures growth, with opportunities to lead, develop, and inspire the culinary team while contributing to diverse dining venues across the property.

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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary knowledge

Food safety

Inventory management

Team development

Flexibility

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Chaminade Resort & Spa, located in Santa Cruz, CA, seeks a seasoned Restaurant Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. Nestled on 300 scenic acres overlooking Monterey Bay, the resort offers an elevated dining experience with locally inspired cuisine, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences.

Join a resort culture that nurtures growth, with opportunities to lead, develop, and inspire the culinary team while contributing to diverse dining venues across the property.