Sous Chef

Lone Mountain Ranch; Big Sky (MT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana, is looking for a passionate Sous Chef to join their culinary team. As a key culinary leader, you will support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, lead and mentor staff, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and presentation.

The ideal candidate has prior culinary leadership experience, a culinary degree or equivalent, and a strong passion for hospitality. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an award-winning guest ranch offering exceptional dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or similar culinary leadership role preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations.
• Lead, coach, and mentor line cooks and other kitchen team members.
• Ensure consistent food quality and presentation.

Skills

Food safety standards

Food preparation techniques

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Kitchen management tools

Job description

Located in Big Sky, Montana, Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch situated on 148 acres in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. First homesteaded in 1915, the Ranch has grown into one of the premier guest ranch destinations in the American West, offering a unique blend of authentic hospitality, rich history, thoughtful luxury, and year-round outdoor adventure.

The property features 25 hand-hewn cabins, the renowned Horn & Cantle Restaurant and Saloon, the Ranch Hall, the Outpost, equestrian facilities, Nordic ski trails, event spaces, and expansive access to the surrounding Montana landscape. Lone Mountain Ranch is proud to be recognized as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a longtime member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association.

Our team is passionate about creating genuine and memorable experiences for our guests while fostering a workplace culture centered around hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, and respect for the history and spirit of the Ranch.

About the Role

The Sous Chef at Lone Mountain Ranch is a key culinary leader who works closely with the Executive Chef to deliver exceptional dining experiences while supporting the daily operation of the kitchen. This position combines hands-on cooking, team leadership, training, and operational oversight to ensure the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and hospitality are maintained.

This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional who enjoys mentoring others, leading by example, and contributing to a collaborative kitchen culture. The Sous Chef helps guide the culinary team through daily service while supporting menu execution, food safety, inventory management, and staff development. Success in this role requires strong leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.

What You'll Do

• Support the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and service execution
• Lead, coach, and mentor line cooks, stewards, and other kitchen team members
• Assist with menu development, recipe execution, and maintaining culinary standards
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portioning, and service timing
• Oversee food preparation and production to support efficient kitchen operations
• Monitor food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and waste reduction initiatives
• Support staff training and development through coaching, feedback, and hands-on instruction
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special guest requests with care and attention to detail
• Help foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen culture
• Participate in service, prep, scheduling support, and operational planning as needed
• Serve as a leader and resource for the culinary team during service and throughout daily operations

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Cook, or similar culinary leadership role preferred
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary experience preferred
• Strong understanding of food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety standards
• Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and creating exceptional guest experiences
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and kitchen management tools
• Flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds

As a leader at Lone Mountain Ranch, the Sous Chef is expected to model professionalism, integrity, accountability, and hospitality in all interactions. This position plays an important role in fostering a positive team culture, supporting cross-department collaboration, and creating an environment where team members feel valued, challenged, and supported.

Successful leaders at the Ranch lead by example, communicate openly, take ownership of challenges, and contribute to the success of the Ranch as a whole. They are approachable, solution-oriented, and committed to developing both people and processes while delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.