Sous Chef

Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zingaro Italian Restaurant and Bar is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and lead a passionate culinary team in Cincinnati. You will help manage prep, service, and quality control to ensure brand standards are met.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in a supervisory kitchen role, a Food Safety Certification, and a commitment to high standards of sanitation and teamwork. Evening and weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (culinary education preferred).
• 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory kitchen role.
• Food Safety Certification required.
• Solid knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene rules.
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Clear and effective communication with team and guests.
• Proficiency with commercial kitchen equipment.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to stand for long periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations.
• Support food preparation and service to ensure consistent quality and timely execution.
• Assist with menu planning, testing, development, and implementation.
• Produce high-quality dishes that meet brand standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during service and prep periods.
• Help manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies.
• Ensure the kitchen operates in a clean, safe, and hygienic manner at all times.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations and food prep areas.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or repair needs.
• Assist with staff scheduling and shift coverage as needed.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to kitchen team members.
• Contribute creative ideas to improve menu offerings, kitchen efficiency, and service standards.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings and operational briefings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Communication

Multitasking

Time management

Detail oriented

Stamina/standing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary education preferred

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

About Zingaro– Italian Restaurant and Bar

Italians are storytellers, and every great story is fueled by adventure. Zingaro—the traveler, the wanderer, the free spirit—is the perfect name to capture the essence of a restaurant that takes your guests on a journey across Italy, one dish at a time. A menu inspired by the roads less traveled, from the smoky flavors of Sicily to the earthy truffles of Umbria, to the rich, buttery pastas of Emilia-Romagna. Zingaro is about tasting it all, embracing the diverse, vibrant, and bold flavors that make Italy a culinary treasure. This name is more than a nod to the gypsy spirit—it’s a celebration of culinary wanderlust, where each dish tells a tale of tradition and innovation. Just as the Zingaro roams freely, our restaurant invites you to embark on a sensory journey that captures the essence of Italy’s diverse regions. Come for the vibe, stay for the food!

Position: Sous Chef

The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure consistent execution of high-quality food and efficient service. This role is hands-on and leadership-focused, combining food preparation, team supervision, and operational support. The Sous Chef assists with menu development, inventory management, and staff coordination while upholding company standards for quality, cleanliness, and food safety.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations

• Support food preparation and service to ensure consistent quality and timely execution

• Assist with menu planning, testing, development, and implementation

• Produce high-quality dishes that meet brand standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency

• Supervise and support kitchen staff during service and prep periods

• Help manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies

• Ensure the kitchen operates in a clean, safe, and hygienic manner at all times

• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and health regulations

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations and food prep areas

• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or repair needs

• Assist with staff scheduling and shift coverage as needed

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to kitchen team members

• Contribute creative ideas to improve menu offerings, kitchen efficiency, and service standards

• Participate in pre-shift meetings and operational briefings

• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen leadership

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary education preferred

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar leadership or supervisory kitchen role

• Valid Food Safety Certification required

• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations

• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and guests

• Proficiency in using commercial kitchen equipment

• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and consistency

• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced environment

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required

We strive to embrace what makes each one of us unique; we each have our own story, and there is only one YOU. We believe that celebrating and embracing this philosophy makes for a better world! Whether looking at our current staff or future team members, we believe that everyone has something to offer, and our employment practices reflect that. Whether by mandate or not, we never have and never will make our employment decision based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you are passionate about food and hospitality, we may be the place for you!