Sous Chef (Longhouse)

800_ilani Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ilani, located on the Cowlitz Reservation in Ridgefield, Washington, is seeking a Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations under the Restaurant Chef. You will guide staff, ensure food safety, and help craft menus that meet brand standards and guest expectations.

The role requires a culinary degree with at least three years in a similar role, strong leadership, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of POS and payroll systems is a plus.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree and 3 years as Sous Chef or Lead Cook.
• Excellent interpersonal and team leadership abilities.
• Experience with Stratton Warren, Info-Genesis POS and Kronos Payroll.

Responsibilities

• Promotes superior guest service and dining experience.
• Directs food preparation under the Restaurant Chef guidance.
• Maintains hygiene and food safety across all prep stages.
• Ensures equipment is functional and reports malfunctions promptly.
• Develops new dishes aligned with brand standards and guest needs.
• Establishes kitchen schedules and workflow optimization.
• Trains junior kitchen staff to maximize efficiency.
• Maintains order and discipline during shifts.
• Collaborates on cross-marketing strategies to boost profits.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitask

Communication skills

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Stratton Warren

Info-Genesis POS

Kronos Payroll

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AND EXPERIENCE ENDLESS CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Pledge for Success: We are dedicated in hiring outstanding individuals who share in our commitment and passion in serving our guests. Ambition, dedication, attention to detail, and a warm smile are all winning characteristics that lead to the spirit of who we are.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation. This includes providing guidance to other kitchen staff, as well as assisting as needed through the direction of the Restaurant Chef.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Promotes superior guest service.
• Maintains, and perpetuates a positive organizational culture according to the principles of the Spirit of Tâlícn and the Core Values of ilani.
• Works with the Restaurant Chef to produce diversified menus in accordance with the restaurant’s policy and vision.
• Make certain the hygiene and food safety standards are met in all stages of food preparation, starting with the ingredients and ending with the finished dish which leaves the kitchen door.
• Make certain that the professional equipment is in good condition and signal any malfunction before it affects the staff or the clients.
• Help develop new dishes which appeal to guests, whenever required.
• Establish the working schedule and organize the work in the kitchen.
• Produce high quality dishes that follow up the established menu and level up to brand standards, as well as to guest requirements.
• Train the auxiliary kitchen staff in-order-to provide best results in minimum time while maximizing available resources.
• Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during working hours.
• Give input on a cross-marketing strategy in-order-to increase profit, such as pairing drinks with the food served.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Culinary degree and 3 years as a Sous Chef or Lead Cook in a Restaurant or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to foster a supportive and enabling team environment.
• Ability to learn all required systems including Stratton Warren, Info-Genesis POS, and Kronos Payroll software.
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of kitchen tools and utensils – a proper knowledge of the kitchen tools and utensils is required in order to perform the specific tasks and requirements.
• Work well under pressure and possess good learning skills.
• Excellent communication skills – the kitchen’s staff works mainly under pressure, so conveying the message clearly, concise and in a polite manner is essential for good collaboration and perfect overall results.
• Must be able to lift and carry at least 40 lbs.
• Must possess a valid food service card.
• MAST certified.
• Must work overtime when needed and assist the workload of others.
• Must perform physical activities in a variety of environmental conditions that require moderate to maximum strength including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, and handling of materials.
• Must be willing to work in a smoking environment.
• Must be willing to adhere to company health and safety measures.

Work Shift

Any (United States of America)

About the Location and Venue

Knock, knock. Hear that sound? That's opportunity! Located on the Cowlitz Reservation in Ridgefield, Washington, ilani, is the Pacific Northwest’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment and meeting destination. With nearly 400,000 total square feet, ilani includes more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space with nearly 3,000 slots and 75 gaming tables; 22 different restaurants, bars and retail outlets; and a 2,500-seat meeting and entertainment venue hosting nationally recognized performances.