Sous Chef

Kalahari Resorts LLC; Virginia, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Virginia is seeking a dynamic Sous Chef to join a brand-new opening team. You’ll help lead the culinary program from day one, hire and coach staff, and ensure menus and standards reflect our love-forward culture.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years of leadership in high-volume, upscale hospitality, strong food safety knowledge, and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends. This role offers a competitive salary and full benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale environment.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, inventory, kitchen operations, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team members and ensure food quality and service consistency.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff while upholding accountability and guest-focused hospitality.
• Assist with inventory, ordering, scheduling, and sanitation/food safety standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu execution and kitchen performance.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Job description

Description

Help Deliver the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, wedon’tjust create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, andcutting-edgeconvention centers that redefine hospitality.

Butwe’remore thana resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple:Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests,associates, andcommunities—treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnershipwith charity:water,we’realso committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making waves in the Mid-Atlantic with our newest location in Spotsylvania, Virginia, expected to open late 2026. Our fifth resort will feature over175,000 square feetof indoor waterpark fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center.

Sous Chef

At our newest resort destination in Virginia,we’renot just opening a property—we’recreating an experience.We’reseeking a dynamic, hands-onSous Chefto play a key leadership role in launching and elevating our culinary program from day one. This is a rare opportunity to assist the Head Chef in shaping the culture, standards, and guest experience of a brand-new resort.

A full list of our concepts, each needing a Sous Chef, includes:

• B-LUX Grill & Bar– Deliciously unique burgers and shakes handcrafted from scratch.
• Sortino’s Italian Kitchen – A modern, elevated Italian restaurant and bar.
• CincoNiño’s- A friendly Tex-Mex-inspired outlet andtequilabar featuring sizzle and classic flavors

As a key culinary leader in a new opening, the Sous Chef will play an essential role in building and leading the kitchen team by hiring, training, executing menus, and establishing operational standards that drive long-term success. This role leads with love by creating a culture rooted in respect, support, and accountability—investing in team development through hands-on mentorship, coaching, and collaboration while fostering an environment where creativity, pride, and excellence can thrive.

These positions are scheduled tobegin inmid-September to October.

Salary Range - $60,000 - $70,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily kitchen operations by leading culinary team members, ensuring food quality, consistency, and efficient execution during service.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and guest-focused hospitality.
• Assist with inventory, ordering, scheduling, and maintaining sanitation and food safety standards.
• Partner with the Executive Chef on menu execution, operational standards, and overall kitchen performance

WhatWe’reLooking For

• 3–5 years of culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale, steakhouse, supper club, or hospitality-driven environment preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen teams in a fast-paced setting while maintaining high culinary and sanitation standards.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, inventory management, kitchen operations, and food safety regulations.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, andperksat all resorts
• Educationassistanceprograms to help advance your career

BePart of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leadersLead with Love—because love builds trust, inspiring growth, and creating experiences that last a lifetime.That’swhywe’reproud to be recognized byForbes as one of America's Best Midsize Employers, America's Best Employers for Women, and byUSA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whetheryou’redelivering guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

| Wisconsin Dells, WI|Sandusky, OH|Pocono Manor, PA|Round Rock, TX|Spotsylvania County, VA|

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wisconsin Dells - 608-254-5466 ext. 42123

Pennsylvania - 570-580-6000 ext. 21077

Texas - 512-582-4765