Sous Chef

RH; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RH Hospitality in Palo Alto is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our culinary team. You will work with the Executive Chef to deliver world‑class guest experiences while upholding RH’s highest standards.

You will train and mentor staff, manage labor and food costs, oversee inventory and safety, and drive operational excellence across all kitchen stations. Weekend and holiday availability is required; strong knife skills and culinary expertise are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Sous Chef experience in high-volume full-service settings.
• Proven ability to manage labor and food costs, inventory controls, and strategic planning.
• Expertise in modern culinary techniques and kitchen safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop team members with training and coaching to uphold RH standards.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on recruitment, onboarding and kitchen direction.
• Support inventory controls, labor cost optimization, and reporting.
• Ensure quality and safety standards across all hospitality areas.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Kitchen leadership

Financial management

Microsoft Excel

Inventory systems

Culinary techniques

Autonomous decision making

Weekend/holiday flexibility

Education

Culinary program curriculum

Tools

Foodager

Microsoft Excel

Job description

With over 20 Hospitality experiences worldwide, RH Hospitality continues to expand our distinguished portfolio of Restaurants within our Design Galleries globally. Our goal is to blur the line between home and hospitality, creating an integrated experience that engages our guests and immerses them in the RH lifestyle.

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary team. In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of the business and upholding the highest quality standards. As a member of the Property Leadership Team, you will work alongside the Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, cultivate and develop culinary talent, and support recruitment and administrative functions.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop Team Members by providing structured training and in-the-moment coaching and guidance to uphold RH’s culinary standards and support their professional growth
• Partner with the Executive Chef in shaping the strategic direction of the kitchen, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and building a high-performing team aligned with RH’s vision
• Support the Executive Chef with inventory controls and reporting, including labor cost optimization, food cost control, and inventory management, ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Drive operational excellence by implementing and upholding quality and safety standards across all hospitality areas, ensuring compliance with regulations
• Own service execution, conducting line checks, monitoring food preparation, and leading expediting to maintain world-class guest experiences
• Document key updates and insights to ensure alignment, enhance team performance and support ongoing operational excellence
• Deliver exceptional results in our ever-changing and dynamic business while championing our Hospitality vision, strategy, and financial goals
• Assume full leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef, ensuring seamless operations and team alignment

OUR REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of previous Sous Chef experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant; and/or culinary program curriculum; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor and food costs, inventory controls, and strategic resource planning
• Expertise in computer systems including Microsoft Excel, Foodager (or other inventory management system) and email communication
• Advanced culinary expertise, including mastery of knife techniques and execution of high-level cooking standards
• Proven ability to work autonomously while making strategic decisions and collaborating effectively across all levels of leadership
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and variable shifts as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently lift and move up to 50 lbs using appropriate equipment and techniques
• Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods
• Commitment to proper safety and sanitation practices in a commercial kitchen environment