Sous Chef

The Mess Hall at The Presidio; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opt-in Group Medical, Dental & Vision

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

Employee Meals

Employee Discounts

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The Mess Hall at the Presidio in San Francisco is seeking a driven Sous Chef to serve as the operational leader of the kitchen, partnering with the Head Chef to oversee day-to-day operations and uphold quality and safety standards. The role emphasizes team leadership, consistency, and efficient production across multiple concepts.

We offer a salary range of $71,000–$80,000 per year plus benefits, with opportunities for professional development within a hospitality-driven food hall at Presidio

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in high-volume restaurant environments.
• Ability to manage and develop kitchen staff to maintain standards.
• Solid understanding of food safety and sanitation protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations across multiple concepts and service periods.
• Supervise and develop line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team members.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portions, and presentation.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and productivity planning.
• Support inventory control, ordering, receiving, and waste reduction.
• Monitor food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance.
• Contribute to menu development, testing, and implementation.
• Coordinate production schedules to support service volume and events.
• Act as kitchen leader in the Head Chef's absence.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

High-volume operations

Menu development

Job description

Sous Chef

Full-time, Salaried (exempt), $71,000 - $80,000/year + Benefits

Position Summary

The Sous Chef serves as the operational leader of the kitchen, responsible for executing the culinary vision while maintaining consistency, quality, efficiency, and team accountability. This role works closely with the Head Chef to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, supervise culinary staff, manage production, and ensure food quality and safety standards are upheld at all times.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with experience in high-volume restaurants, hotels, commissary kitchens, or catering operations, who excels at managing teams, maintaining standards, and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations across multiple food concepts and service periods.
• Supervise, coach, and develop line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team members.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portions, presentation standards, and food quality.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and productivity planning.
• Support inventory control, ordering, receiving, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Monitor food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance.
• Participate in menu development, testing, and implementation.
• Coordinate production schedules to support service volume and catering/event needs.
• Act as kitchen leader in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture.

Benefits

Include:

• Opt-in Group Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• Employee Meals
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities

Compensation

$70,000 to $80,000 annually, DOQ and experience

Additional Compensation Eligible For

• Performance Bonus (for Full-Time Team Members)

Schedule Expectations

• Full-time
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Schedule flexibility required during peak operating periods, special events, and private functions.

Physical Requirements

Stamina & Mobility: Ability to stand and walk on hard surfaces for entire shifts. Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and squatting are required to grab ingredients or manage equipment.

Lifting & Carrying: The physical strength to lift, carry, and transport heavy items like pots, pans, bags of produce, and supply cases ranging from 30 to 50 lbs.

About The Mess Hall at the Presidio

The Mess Hall at the Presidio is a hospitality-driven food hall and gathering place located at Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco. Featuring chef-driven food concepts, specialty coffee, a full beverage program, retail offerings, and community-focused experiences, The Mess Hall is designed to celebrate exceptional food, hospitality, and connection in one of the country's most iconic public spaces.

We are committed to creating a culture built on teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and genuine hospitality while providing opportunities for growth and advancement for our employees.