Sous Chef - Hamilton's Kitchen

The Alfond Inn; Winter Park (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, FL is seeking a capable Sous Chef to lead high-volume kitchen operations under the Executive Chef. You will oversee prep, production, and execution of meals across service periods, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

Ideal candidates bring at least 2 years of leadership in busy kitchens, a culinary degree or equivalent, and a comfort with coaching staff. Serve Safe certification is preferred; the role offers stable, full-time hours in a guest-focused

Qualifications

• 2+ years in high-volume kitchen management; catering/banquet experience preferred.
• Culinary degree desirable or equivalent; coaching/supervisory experience valued.
• Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients.
• Contribute to menu planning, recipe development, tastings, and cost management.
• Oversee food prep and cooking; ensure adherence to recipes, portions, and standards.
• Supervise kitchen staff across tasks: prepping, sautéing, grilling, roasting, baking.
• Coordinate ordering, inventory, scheduling, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen; ensure health and safety compliance.
• Train and mentor staff; provide feedback and coaching on skills.
• Conduct regular training sessions on culinary techniques and safety.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and taste; perform regular taste tests.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food cost analysis

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Knife skills/expediter

Safety/compliance

Waste minimization

Education

Culinary degree (desirable)

Serve Safe Certification (preferred)

Job description

We’re more than just a team – we’re a community dedicated to making a difference every day.

At The Alfond Inn and Olympia Hospitality, we create a fun, supportive environment where growth never stops, and success is celebrated together. Guided by our values of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust, we foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.Apply today and build a career that inspires you!

The Sous Chef is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with company standards, menu specifications and production schedules set forth by the Executive Chef; and maintaining and adhering to the health and food safety program at all times per state and federal regulations. This position oversees kitchen staff in the preparation/production of all meal periods.

Join a Team that Puts Your Well-Being First!

At Olympia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our employees both in and out of the workplace. When you join us, you’re not just getting a job – you’re joining a family-first organization that cares about your health and wellness, your future, and your overall satisfaction.

Here’s how we show our commitment:

• Health Coverage That Works for You: We contribute up to 80% toward individual health plans and offer affordable dental and vision insurance. Plus, with FSA and HSA options, you can plan for your healthcare costs your way.
• Secure Your Future: With our 401K plan and discretionary yearly match, you can build the financial future you deserve.
• Peace of Mind: We provide paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared cost short-term disability, and you have the option to purchase additional employee paid life insurance.
• Time for You: Enjoy our robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance. Need quick access to your paycheck? Our earned wage access program has you covered!
• Additional Support: From our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to a sober support network, and our commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace, we're here to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Perks: Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts as a member of our team. Additional benefits may be available based on property specific locations!

We’re more than just a business—we’re a values-driven organization that believes in creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Our core values guide everything we do, from how we interact with each other to how we serve our guests and community. Join us at Olympia Hospitality and take the next step toward a fulfilling, balanced, and supported career. Apply today!

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop innovative and seasonal menus that showcase the restaurant's culinary expertise and creativity, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and international flavors.
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development, including creating and testing new dishes, specials, and tasting menus, and ensuring that all menu items meet quality and cost standards.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking activities, ensuring that dishes are prepared according to established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards, and that food safety and sanitation guidelines are followed at all times.
• Supervise and assist kitchen staff in various culinary tasks, including chopping, slicing, dicing, marinating, sautéing, grilling, roasting, and baking, to ensure consistency and excellence in food presentation and taste.
• Coordinate and manage kitchen operations, including ordering and inventory management, production scheduling, and equipment maintenance, to ensure smooth and efficient workflow and minimize waste and downtime.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times, including workstations, storage areas, and equipment, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and food handling procedures.
• Train, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff, including cooks, line cooks, and prep cooks, providing guidance, feedback, and coaching to enhance their culinary skills, teamwork, and performance.
• Conduct regular training sessions and workshops on culinary techniques, menu items, and food safety practices, and ensure that all kitchen staff are properly trained and certified in food handling and safety procedures.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and taste, and conduct regular taste tests and quality checks to ensure that all dishes meet the restaurant's standards of excellence and guest expectations.

Technical Skills:

• Must have strong Culinary/cooking skills - skilled in different styles of cooking
• Food cost analysis, i.e., knowledge of food ordering, inventories, labor control
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of kitchen equipment use and operation
• Knife skills, grill, broiler, sauté and Expediter skills; garde manger experience
• Financial understanding in food costs and minimizing waste in the kitchen

Experience / Education:

Minimum 2 years’ of high volume kitchen management; catering/banquet experience, management or previous supervisory experience in food and beverage operations preferred; Culinary degree desirable or equivalent combination of education and work; previous experience with employee coaching and counselling as well as documentation; experience with documenting and enforcing food safety procedures and workplace safety procedures, as well as purchasing, receiving and inventory control. Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred

The Olympia Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to such characteristics as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable law.