Sous Chef - Cinco Ninos

kalaharijobs; Woodford (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Promotion from within

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holiday compensation

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Education assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Spotsylvania, Virginia, is launching a new resort and seeks a dynamic Sous Chef to lead the culinary program from day one. This is a rare opportunity to shape culture, standards, and guest experience for a brand-new property.

The role requires leading the kitchen team, hiring, training, and upholding high culinary and sanitation standards while mentoring staff and delivering excellent guest service. Salary ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of culinary leadership experience in upscale/hospitality settings.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, inventory, kitchen operations, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team to ensure food quality, consistency, and service efficiency.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff with accountability and teamwork.
• Assist with inventory, ordering, scheduling, and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu execution and standards.

Job description

Help Deliver the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don't just 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, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we’re more than a resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple: Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests, associates, and communities-treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnership with charity:water, we’re also 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 over 175,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, 900 family-friendly suites, and a massive convention center.

Sous Chef

At our newest resort destination in Virginia, we’re not just opening a property—but creating an experience. We’re seeking a dynamic, hands-on Sous Chef to 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 and tequila bar 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 to begin in mid-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, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs to help advance your career

BePartof Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leaders Lead with Love - because love builds trust, inspires growth, and creates experiences that last a lifetime. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whether you’re delivering 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.