Sous Chef

Mare Island Brewing Co.; Benicia (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Mare Island Brewing Co. is seeking an experienced sous chef for the First Street Taphouse in Benicia, CA. This hands-on, operational leader will execute daily kitchen operations, oversee prep and line cooks, and ensure food leaving the kitchen meets our standards while maintaining a clean, organized environment.

Reporting to the Head Chef, you will manage culinary operations for the Benicia location, support training and SOP compliance, and help maintain high quality during fast-paced service.

Qualifications

• At least 1-2 years experience in Sous or kitchen leadership role.
• Strong management and execution of kitchen operations.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while multitasking during busy service periods.
• Basic knowledge of beer and wine; craft beer knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to take direction while showing initiative when opportunities arise.
• Team-oriented mindset with ability to support coworkers and maintain a positive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily service: prep, cooking, and plating to standard.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and ticket times during service.
• Oversee and support prep cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers during shifts.
• Manage inventory levels, product rotation, and ordering needs.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas.
• Identify operational gaps and elevate staffing or performance issues to the Chef.
• Support disciplinary processes as needed (in partnership with Chef).
• Assist in training new BOH staff and reinforcing SOPs.
• Support accountability and performance standards across the team

Skills

Kitchen leadership experience

Management

Communication skills

Team player

Ability to multitask

Job description

Sous Chef

Mare Island Brewing Co.

Benicia First Street Taphouse

Employment: Full Time

Pay: $68,000 - $75,000 per year depending on experience

About the Role:

Mare Island Brewing Co. is seeking an experienced, hospitality-drive Sous Chef to join our team at the First Street Taphouse in Benicia.

The Sous Chef is a hands-on, operational leader responsible for executing daily kitchen operations with consistency, efficiency, and quality. This role works the line, supports prep, and ensures all food leaving the kitchen meets company standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and accountable work environment. This position will work with and report directly to the Head Chef, and will be responsible for managing culinary operations for the given location – the First Street Taphouse in Benicia, CA.

Our First Street Taphouse is located in scenic downtown Benicia, and features a creative seasonal menu, 20 taps, house made cocktails, and both indoor and outdoor dining options. We are a full table service restaurant with a seasonally driven menu offering Bar Bites, Small Plates, and Large Plates, ideal for sharing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute daily service: prep, cooking, and plating to standard.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and ticket times during service.
• Oversee and support prep cooks, line cooks, and dishwashers during shifts.
• Manage inventory levels, product rotation, and ordering needs.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas.
• Identify operational gaps and elevate staffing or performance issues to the Chef.
• Support disciplinary processes as needed (in partnership with Chef).
• Assist in training new BOH staff and reinforcing SOPs.
• Support accountability and performance standards across the team

Qualifications:

• At least 1-2 years experience in Sous or kitchen leadership role.
• Strong management and execution of kitchen operations.
• Possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while multitasking during busy service periods.
• Basic knowledge of beer and wine required; craft beer knowledge is a plus.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to take direction while also showing initiative when opportunities arise.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to support coworkers and contribute to a positive workplace.

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time and lift up to 30lbs. when needed. Other physical requirements include bending, twisting, lifting, carrying, etc.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are key service times for our taproom.
• Reliable transportation, consistent attendance, and a commitment to punctuality and preparedness for all scheduled shifts.