Sous Chef

Goodfolks; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodfolks in Austin, TX is seeking a dedicated Sous Chef for a full-time, on-site role. You will support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, plating, and maintaining food quality and consistency, while supervising kitchen staff and coordinating station workflow.

You’ll monitor inventory, costs, and waste, uphold food safety standards, and train team members on recipes and techniques.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen staff in a high-volume setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Ability to manage station workflow and inventory.
• Excellent communication with FOH and BOH teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, prep, cooking, and plating while ensuring quality.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, coordinate station workflow.
• Monitor inventory, food costs, and waste control; maintain cleanliness.
• Train team on recipes and techniques and uphold safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking techniques

Plating and presentation

Time management under pressure

Education

Culinary education or formal training (preferred)

Job description

The Sous Chef at Goodfolks is a full-time, on-site role based in Austin, TX. This position supports the Head Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, including prep work, cooking, plating, and ensuring food quality and consistency. The Sous Chef helps manage kitchen staff, coordinates station workflow, and monitors inventory, food costs, and waste control. The role includes maintaining kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards, assisting with menu execution and specials, and training team members on recipes and techniques. The Sous Chef collaborates closely with the front-of-house team to ensure timely service and an excellent guest experience, while modeling professionalism and a positive kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• Professional experience as a Sous Chef or lead line cook in a high-volume restaurant, ideally with comfort food or American cuisine.
• Strong skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, and plating, with attention to taste, texture, and presentation.
• Knowledge of kitchen operations, including station management, inventory control, and ordering processes.
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation standards, and compliance with local health regulations.
• Ability to lead and mentor kitchen staff, promote teamwork, and communicate effectively with front- and back-of-house teams.
• Capability to work efficiently under pressure, manage multiple tickets, and maintain quality during peak service times.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations.
• Culinary education or formal training is preferred but not required; a strong track record and references are highly valued.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or comparable leadership role in a full-service restaurant
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of food safety and inventory management
• Culinary degree is a plus—but experience, leadership, and passion matter more.

If you’re looking for a kitchen where your ideas matter, your leadership is appreciated, and your career can grow, we’d love to