Sous Chef

The Longboard [Sullivans Island]; Sullivan's Island (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Group Plans

Paid Time Off

Dining Discounts

Job summary

The Longboard Sullivan’s Island is seeking a high-performing kitchen leader to work closely with our Executive Chef and CDC. You will oversee day-to-day BOH operations, drive culinary excellence, and foster a vibrant coastal energy in a fast-paced environment.

Join a team that blends Caribbean-inspired dining with elevated hospitality, mentoring staff and maintaining rigorous standards in a lively, high-volume kitchen setting.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of kitchen experience, some management preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Passion for training and the development of others.
• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Executive Chef and CDC to plan and develop recipes, seasonal menus, and daily specials.
• Execute menu specs with culinary pride, ensuring dishes meet standards.
• Monitor product trends and maintain vendor relations.
• Lead line timing and ensure quality, portions, and plate appeal during rushes.
• Oversee prep, mise en place, and station setup for seamless service.
• Mentor junior staff and uphold a professional kitchen culture.
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership to maintain recipe books and ingredient consistency.
• Maintain inventory, scheduling, and invoice management.
• Conduct daily line checks for quality of raw and cooked products.

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Job description

[Full-Time Qualification Required. Terms and Conditions Apply]

PERKS

• Group Health Insurance - 50/50 Employee/Employer Contribution
• Access to Group Plan(s) including health, dental, vision, life AD&D
• Paid Time Off / Unpaid time off / Paid Sick Days
• Dining discounts at home establishments & cross company locations.

THE ATMOSPHERE

The Longboard Sullivan’s Island is the second iteration of our celebrated coastal dining concept, first launched in 2015 on St. John, USVI. Echoing the island vibes of our flagship, the Sullivan’s Island location offers refined, seafood-forward fare alongside a vibrant bar program featuring Caribbean-inspired craft cocktails. Our setting blends laid-back Lowcountry charm with spirited Caribbean energy to create a relaxed, yet elevated dining experience. Our restaurants are more than places to eat- they’re destinations to experience. We bring the vibes, the views, and the hospitality to match. With locations across the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond, we’re all about blending world-class service with the soul of the Caribbean.

THE IDEAL MATCH

The ideal candidate is a high-performing culinary leader who thrives under the pressure of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. You lead by example—cooking on the line, coaching your team through busy services, and actively driving employee retention through mentorship and a positive kitchen culture. Working directly alongside the Executive Chef and CDC, you will oversee day-to-day BOH operations, champion culinary excellence, and embody the vibrant, coastal energy of The Longboard. This position works actively with the team to set new goals for improving day-to-day operations through food, experience, and culture.

The Longboard Sullivans Island brings a fresh, vibrant take on coastal Caribbean dining—where tropical, casual vibes meet elevated experiences. Our restaurants are destinations that blend music, sunshine, island flavors, and top-tier hospitality into unforgettable moments. We’re laid-back but dialed-in. Professional but never stuffy. Every guest is welcomed like family and we take that seriously.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and CDC to plan and develop innovative recipes, seasonal menus, and daily food specials.
• Execute menu specs flawlessly with culinary pride, ensuring every dish leaving the line is flavorful, beautiful, and consistent with Chefs' exact standards.
• Stay ahead of seasonal product trends, local ingredients, and maintain all vendor relations.
• Move with speed and precision without ever compromising on quality, portioning, or plate appeal.
• Work alongside the BOH team in pacing tickets, orchestrating line flow, and keeping service running smoothly.
• Ensure junior chefs adhere strictly to recipes and prep lists.
• Partner with other kitchen leadership to maintain precise recipe books, portion specs, and ingredient consistency.
• Keep operational documents up to date and revise when needed.
• Monitor food safety and cleanliness standards to ensure a safe, compliant kitchen.
• Own your prep, mise en place, and station setup so your line is fully dialed and ready for seamless service execution.
• Assist with admin duties, inventory, scheduling, and invoice management.
• Conduct daily AM and PM line checks to verify the quality and consistency of raw or cooked food products.
• Accurately know our product mix to order smart, update par levels, control spending, lock in prep lists, and minimize waste.
• Support inventory tracking, vendor ordering, and waste reduction to keep COGS in check.
• Inspire a high-performing kitchen team ensuring seamless timing, incredible food execution, and high standards during every rush.
• Mentor with empathy and hospitality, building clear pathways for staff growth and promotion.
• Set the tone for a collaborative environment with clear, open communication between all restaurant staff.
• Be a culture builder—bring positive energy, authenticity, reliability, and pride in how you show up every day.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of kitchen experience, some management preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Passion for training and the development of others.
• Strong work ethics and even temperament.
• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
• Available to work on weekends, holidays and nights as required.
• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of Ballast Hospitality, always setting a professional example.

OUR DNA

At our core, we live by values that shape every interaction, decision, and experience. We offer competitive pay and a culture that values growth. From day one, we’re committed to your personal and professional development through hands-on experience, ongoing training, and clear opportunities to advance. At Ballast Hospitality, when you grow, we grow.

• Integrity is everything. Without it, nothing else matters. We lead with honesty, accountability, and trust. Always doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
• We invest in growth. Continuous training and development aren’t extras; they’re essential to our shared success. We see ongoing learning and development as an investment, not just in our team, but in our future.
• Creativity drives innovation. Innovation starts with imagination. We embrace fresh ideas and bold thinking to stay ahead and stand out.
• Happy teams serve better. A happy, supported, and professional team creates the kind of guest experience that sets us apart and empowers us to deliver exceptional experiences.
• We deliver legendary service. The kind of personalized care that turns moments into memories, experiences guests can’t forget, and rave about long after they leave.
• Work hard, stay sharp, and have fun. We bring passion and professionalism to everything we do while keeping it light, positive, and full of energy. Excellence and enjoyment go hand-in-hand.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER | COME AS YOU ARE

At The Longboard Sullivans, we believe great hospitality starts with great people, and that means all people. We don’t care what you look like, where you’re from, who you love, or how you identify. If you have good energy and a passion for making people feel welcome, you’ve got a spot on our team. No judgment. No discrimination. Just good vibes and equal opportunity for all.

If you’re a passionate hospitality-driven leader with a creative eye and ready to help shape the experience at one of Sullivans Island’s most exciting destinations— this is your moment.

Join Ballast Hospitality in creating standout dining experiences that celebrate sunshine, culture, and connection—one guest at a time. We look forward to meeting you!