Sous Chef

Novelty Hill - Januik Winery; Woodinville (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Simple IRA matching

PTO

Wine allotment

Tips participation

Job summary

Novelty Hill · Januik Winery in Woodinville, WA is seeking a talented Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, private events, and the advancement of our culinary program.

The ideal candidate brings 3–6 years of fine-dining or winery experience, strong leadership, menu development skills, inventory controls, and a commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Three to six years of relevant culinary experience, preferably in fine dining or winery settings.
• Previous supervisory or kitchen-leadership experience required.
• Strong cooking, preparation, plating, and service-execution skills.
• Ability to motivate and lead a team during high-volume service.
• Excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and inventory control.
• Washington State Food Worker Card or ability to obtain one before start.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all kitchen operations and management.
• Assist with seasonal menu development for tasting-room and private events.
• Maintain inventory controls, food-cost awareness, and purchasing procedures.
• Lead kitchen operations during private events when the Executive Chef is unavailable.
• Coordinate with events and other departments to fulfill wedding and winery event orders.
• Ensure compliance with food-safety, sanitation, and health-code requirements.
• Oversee cleaning schedules and equipment safety.
• Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff as needed.
• Report equipment failures and safety concerns promptly.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Team supervision

Plating & service

Food safety HACCP

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Job description

Sous Chef

Novelty Hill · Januik Winery

Location: Woodinville, Washington

Position Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00–$30.00 per hour, depending on experience

Additional Compensation: Participation in applicable tips and service charges, health insurance, Simple IRA matching, PTO, wine allotment

Reports to: Executive Chef

About Novelty Hill · Januik Winery

Novelty Hill · Januik Winery is a full-service winery, tasting room, and private-events venue located in Woodinville, Washington. Led by renowned Washington winemaker Mike Januik, the winery produces award-winning wines, hosts weddings and corporate and private events, and welcomes more than 40,000 tasting-room guests annually.

Position Summary

Novelty Hill · Januik Winery is seeking a talented, motivated, and experienced Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, executing private and Wine Club events, and continuing to advance our culinary program.

The ideal candidate combines culinary creativity with strong leadership, organization, and attention to detail. This position requires someone who can collaborate effectively across departments, manage competing priorities, and maintain high standards in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations and management.
• Assist with the development and execution of seasonal menus for tasting-room service, wine experiences, brunches, lunches, dinners, weddings, private events, and winery events.
• Help maintain effective inventory controls, food-cost awareness, purchasing procedures, and product-ordering systems.
• Monitor regional, national, and international culinary trends and contribute ideas that keep the winery’s food program current and distinctive.
• Assist with recruiting, training, scheduling, supervising, and developing kitchen employees.
• Provide clear direction and leadership to the culinary team during service and event preparation.
• Lead kitchen operations and oversee the execution of private events when the Executive Chef is unavailable.
• Work closely with the Director of Events, Event Sales Manager, and other departments to execute weddings and private events according to event orders, timelines, and client expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable food-safety, sanitation, workplace-safety, and health-code requirements.
• Maintain thorough and consistent cleaning procedures and schedules for kitchen workspaces, storage areas, walk-in coolers, freezers, and equipment.
• Ensure that kitchen equipment is operated safely and properly.
• Promptly report equipment failures, safety concerns, and maintenance needs.
• Participate in Wine Club events, release parties, dinners, and other special winery events as required.
• Assist with receiving, storage, preparation, production, service, and closing responsibilities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Chef or winery management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Three to six years of relevant culinary experience, preferably in fine dining, upscale hospitality, catering, wineries, event venues, or a comparable culinary environment.
• Previous supervisory or kitchen-leadership experience required.
• Strong cooking, preparation, plating, and service-execution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team during high-volume service and event production.
• Ability to manage multiple events, menus, or service periods within the same day.
• Strong organizational, communication, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation procedures, inventory control, and HACCP principles.
• Current Washington State Food Worker Card, or the ability to obtain one before beginning work.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and special events as business needs require.
• Ability to work 40 or more hours per week during peak periods and high-demand seasons.

Schedule

This position may include:

• Day shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekend shifts
• Private events and Wine Club events

Compensation

The hourly pay range for this position is $28.00–$30.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Eligible employees also participate in applicable tips and service charges in addition to their hourly compensation.

Novelty Hill · Januik Winery is an equal-opportunity employer.