Sous Chef

Kendrick's Hospitality Group; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick's in Charleston, SC, is seeking a full-time Sous Chef to support daily kitchen operations on-site. You will ensure consistent quality, flavor, and presentation, while guiding staff and coordinating station assignments during service.

Ideal candidates bring experience in high-volume or upscale dining, strong food-safety knowledge, and a collaborative leadership style that elevates team performance and guest hospitality.

Qualifications

• Scratch cooking and line cooking across hot and cold sections.
• Experience leading kitchen teams during peak services.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food preparation and execution during service to ensure quality and presentation.
• Manage kitchen staff, coordinate station assignments, and maintain organization.
• Assist with menu development and seasonal dish ideas.
• Monitor inventory, help with ordering and food cost control.
• Support training and mentorship of team members.

Skills

Scratch cooking

Line cooking

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Menu execution

Inventory & cost control

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or formal training

Job description

Company Description

Kendrick's is a family-driven restaurant inspired by the diverse culinary experiences of Chef Dustin Kendrick, shaped by Portuguese, Italian, Caribbean, French, and Lowcountry influences. The menu is rooted in European traditions while remaining flexible and driven by what is fresh, local, and exciting in the kitchen-especially fish from nearby waters and peak-season produce. Dishes balance approachability with creativity, with some offerings changing with the seasons and others becoming enduring favorites. The restaurant is built on the belief that good food brings people together, reflecting years of family members cooking, serving, and working side by side. Applicants will join a team that values tradition, innovation, and a warm, welcoming dining experience.

Role Description

The Sous Chef is a full-time, on-site role based in Charleston, SC, supporting the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations. This role includes overseeing food preparation and execution during service, ensuring consistency in quality, taste, and presentation in line with Kendrick's culinary vision. The Sous Chef will help manage kitchen staff, coordinate station assignments, and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Responsibilities also include assisting with menu development, contributing ideas for seasonal dishes, managing inventory, and helping with ordering and cost control. The Sous Chef will model collaborative leadership, support training and mentorship of team members, and uphold high standards of hospitality and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Culinary expertise in scratch cooking, hot and cold line operations, and familiarity with European and coastal cuisines.
• Experience in kitchen leadership, including staff supervision, training, and coordinating workflows during busy services.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and best practices for maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
• Skills in menu execution, plating, and attention to detail in taste, texture, and presentation.
• Ability to manage inventory, support ordering, and contribute to food cost control.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a team-oriented approach and respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or lead line cook in a high-volume or upscale dining environment preferred.
• Culinary degree, formal training, or equivalent professional experience in the kitchen is beneficial.