Sous Chef

SACRED PEPPER; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental insurance

Retirement matching

Meal discounts

Paid time off

Career development

Job summary

Sacred Pepper in Tampa, FL is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to lead a fast-paced kitchen, inspire staff, and translate Executive Chef's vision into exceptional dining experiences.

You will oversee daily operations, uphold culinary standards, mentor teammates, and drive consistency across all stations, ensuring every plate reflects our craft and hospitality.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in upscale/high-volume settings.
• Proven leadership of culinary teams and ability to mentor staff.
• Strong understanding of culinary techniques, plating, and menu execution.
• Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and set standards for professionalism, organization, and culinary excellence.
• Deliver exceptional food through oversight of preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.

Skills

Strong leadership

Culinary expertise

Team development

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Problem solving

Scratch cooking

Job description

Great Food Starts with Great Leadership.

Are you a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, takes pride in every plate, and knows how to bring out the best in a team? Do you believe that exceptional food is created through creativity, consistency, attention to detail, and a genuine love for the craft?

We're looking for a Sous Chef who brings strong leadership, culinary expertise, and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences to our team! As a key member of our culinary leadership team, you'll work closely with our Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, inspire and develop our culinary staff, and ensure every dish reflects the quality and care that define our restaurant.

At our modern American osteria, we believe great food goes beyond the ingredients on the plate. It's about craftsmanship, thoughtful execution, and creating memorable moments around the table. From maintaining the highest culinary standards to fostering a kitchen culture built on teamwork and respect, your leadership plays an essential role in bringing that experience to life.

If you're a hands-on leader who loves the energy of a busy kitchen, values consistency, and takes pride in helping a team succeed, we'd love to meet you!

What You'll Be Doing

Lead by example. Set the standard for professionalism, organization, discipline, and culinary excellence while inspiring your team to take pride in their work.

Deliver exceptional food. Oversee food preparation, cooking techniques, plating, and presentation to ensure every dish meets our standards for quality, flavor, and consistency.

Support the Executive Chef. Partner closely with the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, executing menus, maintaining standards, and achieving culinary goals.

Keep the kitchen running smoothly. Coordinate kitchen stations, manage workflow, and ensure food is prepared and delivered efficiently without compromising quality.

Own the details. Maintain consistency in recipes, portion sizes, presentation, and preparation methods so every guest receives the same exceptional experience.

Develop and inspire your team. Train, coach, and mentor culinary staff while encouraging professional growth, accountability, and a strong sense of teamwork.

Lead with composure. Stay calm, organized, and solution-oriented during high-volume service while helping your team remain focused and confident.

Maintain a culture of excellence. Hold team members accountable to established standards while creating a positive, respectful, and productive kitchen environment.

Manage inventory and food costs. Assist with ordering, inventory control, proper product rotation, portion management, and waste reduction to support efficient kitchen operations.

Prioritize food safety. Ensure proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and cleanliness standards are consistently maintained in accordance with health and safety regulations.

Communicate with purpose. Work closely with the culinary team, management, and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless coordination, accurate execution, and an exceptional guest experience.

Take initiative. Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency, organization, training, and overall food quality without waiting to be asked.

Bring creativity to the table. Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, specials, and new culinary ideas that complement our restaurant's identity.

Be a team player. Step into any station when needed, support your team during demanding services, and understand that great leadership means being willing to do the work alongside everyone else.

What We're Looking For

A genuine passion for cooking, culinary craftsmanship, and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or strong culinary leader in an upscale or high-volume restaurant.

A solid understanding of culinary techniques, food preparation, flavor development, and refined plate presentation.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and hold a team accountable while maintaining a positive kitchen culture.

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

A commitment to consistency, quality, and attention to detail in every aspect of kitchen operations.

Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both back-of-house and front-of-house teams.

The ability to remain calm, focused, and decisive under pressure.

Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, inventory management, and food cost controls.

A proactive mindset with the ability to recognize challenges, solve problems, and continuously improve operations.

Experience with scratch cooking, fresh ingredients, and elevated American or Italian-inspired cuisine is highly preferred.

Dependability, professionalism, and a strong sense of personal accountability.

Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

The ability to remain on your feet for extended periods and perform the physical responsibilities of a professional kitchen environment.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who understands that great leadership isn't just about running a kitchen — it's about building a team that takes pride in what they create. A great Sous Chef leads with confidence, teaches with patience, holds high standards, and understands that every plate leaving the kitchen represents the collective effort of the entire team.

What We Offer

Health and dental insurance options.

Retirement savings plan with employer matching.

Employee discounts on meals.

Paid time off for eligible full-time employees.

Opportunities for culinary creativity, professional development, and career advancement.

The opportunity to work alongside a passionate team that values collaboration, craftsmanship, and exceptional hospitality.

The Bottom Line

A great Sous Chef is more than a skilled cook — they're a leader, a mentor, a problem solver, and an essential part of the restaurant's success. You help turn the Executive Chef's vision into reality, develop a team that takes pride in its craft, and ensure that every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the care and attention our guests deserve.

At Sacred Pepper, we believe some of the most memorable experiences happen in the moments between — the conversations, celebrations, and connections shared around the table. The food we create helps make those moments possible.

If you're passionate about food, confident in your leadership, committed to excellence, and ready to help build something special, we'd love to have you on our team!

Come be part of a kitchen where creativity meets craftsmanship, teamwork drives excellence, and every plate contributes to an experience worth coming back for.