Sous Chef

Donohoe; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Hotel room discounts

Daily pay access

Job summary

Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront, operated by Donohoe Hospitality Services, is seeking a dynamic Sous Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations and lead a culinary team. You will ensure top quality, safety and presentation while delivering an exceptional guest dining experience in a stylish hotel setting.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, training, cost control, and collaboration with front-of-house teams to maintain high standards across all service periods.

Qualifications

• 2- or 4-year degree in Culinary Arts or completion of a formal culinary apprenticeship
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily prep and ensure all kitchen staff are briefed on service expectations
• Maintain inventory with a focus on quality, freshness, and cost control
• Enforce HACCP/ServSafe health and sanitation regulations
• Lead kitchen staff and ensure collaboration with front-of-house teams
• Supervise plating standards and portion control for all menu items
• Train staff on food safety and modern culinary techniques
• Assist in managing food and non-food costs to meet budget targets
• Support banquet and event production planning and execution
• Conduct daily inspections of kitchen and storage areas for cleanliness and maintenance

Skills

Attention to detail

Culinary techniques

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Guest satisfaction

Education

Culinary Arts degree or apprenticeship

Job description

Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront
69 Q Street SW
Washington, DC 20024, USA

Description

Join Our Team at Cambria Hotel DC Navy Yard Riverfront!

Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront, a modern business and lifestyle hotel located on the vibrant Navy Yard Riverfront. Our hotel features urban-inspired spaces and 154 accommodations that reflect the energy of our neighborhood. Our guests enjoy local comfort food and wines at our restaurant, RowHouse, or sip craft beers and cocktails on our rooftop bar, Perch SW, with stunning city views. With a prime location near the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and just six miles from Reagan National Airport, we offer a seamless experience for both business and leisure travelers.

At Cambria Hotel, we value creativity, hospitality, and excellence, providing you with the opportunity to contribute to a unique guest experience in an exciting environment. If you're passionate about delivering exceptional service and want to be part of a hotel that embodies the spirit of Washington, D.C., Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront is the place for you.

Sous Chef

Salary: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 annually (experienced-based compensation)

Position Summary:
The Sous Chef oversees daily kitchen operations and leads the culinary team in maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, presentation, and creativity while ensuring an exceptional dining experience for every guest.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily prep and ensure all kitchen staff are briefed on service expectations
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels with a focus on quality, freshness, and cost control
• Enforce compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP/ServSafe)
• Report and follow up on kitchen maintenance and equipment issues promptly
• Ensure smooth communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Verify that each station receives accurate orders and executes them efficiently
• Monitor food output for quality, presentation, portion control, and temperature accuracy
• Promote a culture of cleanliness, safety, and sanitation across the kitchen team
• Support banquet and event production planning and execution
• Lead by example with a hands-on approach to training and developing culinary staff
• Assist in managing food and non-food costs to meet budget targets
• Oversee compliance with food issuing and check-handling procedures
• Support administrative tasks including inventory, food cost tracking, and vendor coordination
• Train and monitor staff on food safety and sanitation best practices
• Conduct daily inspections of kitchen and storage areas for cleanliness and maintenance
• Help develop and maintain plating standards and portion control for all menu items
• Maintain and update recipe cards and prep documentation
• Ensure HACCP procedures are followed in all food handling and storage practices
• Train staff on modern culinary techniques and presentation styles
• Encourage creativity and consistency in dish execution and presentation
• Contribute to the development of innovative menu items and seasonal offerings
• Assist in standardizing recipes and plating instructions for consistency
• Stay informed on new products and ingredients that enhance quality or reduce costs
• Adhere to all hotel policies, procedures, and employee handbook guidelines

Education & Experience

• 2- or 4-year degree in Culinary Arts or completion of a formal culinary apprenticeship

Skills and Abilities

• Meticulous attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of food preparation, handling, and modern culinary techniques
• Discipline and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction.

Benefits and Perks

Donohoe Hospitality Services is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive Benefits Package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, leaves of absence, retirement plans, paid time off, hotel room discounts. and MORE! Through this selection of benefits and perks, we strive to provide employees with options that will enhance their quality of life in and out of work. *minimum 32 hours/week to qualify

We also offer daily pay access where you can receive your earnings on the same day you work, empowering you to manage your finances easily and confidently.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.