Sous Chef

Mac Haik Restaurant Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k)

PTO

Job summary

Mac Haik Restaurant Group is opening an upscale dining restaurant in Houston and seeking a passionate Sous Chef to join the New Restaurant Opening team for the Kirkwood concept. You will help build a culinary program from the ground up, leading back-of-house operations and inspiring a high-performing team.

This role offers the opportunity to influence menu development, training, and guest experiences, within a forward-thinking restaurant group that rewards growth and excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong kitchen leadership in upscale or fine dining.
• Solid culinary foundation with passion for innovation and hospitality.
• Strong leadership and communication, hands-on style.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and compliance regulations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Availability nights, weekends, and some holidays.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in back-of-house operations.
• Oversee daily prep, production, and service for consistency and excellence.
• Train and mentor culinary team members.
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal features.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and safety.
• Manage kitchen inventory, cost controls, and vendor relationships.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards.
• Cultivate positive kitchen culture and teamwork.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding culinary talent.
• Partner with leadership for elevated guest dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food safety

Bilingual: English/Spanish

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Be part of something new! Mac Haik Restaurant Group is opening an upscale dining restaurant in Houston and we are seeking a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join our New Restaurant Opening (NRO) team. This is a unique opportunity to help build a culinary program from the ground up—combining creativity, leadership, and operational excellence at the city’s newest dining destination, Kirkwood.

Why Join Us?

• Help lead the culinary program for a New Restaurant Opening (NRO) in Houston.
• Opportunity to influence menu creation, team culture, and training from the start.
• Work alongside a passionate leadership team in an exciting new concept.
• Growth potential with a forward-thinking restaurant group.
• Competitive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and more.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong kitchen leadership role (upscale or fine dining strongly preferred).
• Solid culinary foundation and a passion for innovation and hospitality.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a hands‑on, lead‑by‑example style.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and compliance regulations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
• Availability, including nights, weekends, and some holidays (closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day).

What You'll Do

• Support the Executive Chef in leading all aspects of back‑of‑house operations.
• Oversee daily prep, production, and service to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Train, mentor, and inspire culinary team members to deliver at the highest level.
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal features, and innovative offerings.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and safety standards at all times.
• Manage kitchen inventory, cost controls, and vendor relationships.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards.
• Cultivate a positive and professional kitchen culture that supports teamwork and growth.
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and developing culinary talent.
• Partner with leadership to deliver a seamless and elevated guest dining experience.

If you’re ready to make your mark in Houston’s dining scene, join our NRO team and help launch Kirkwood, the city’s next great restaurant.

Compensation: Competitive salary