Sous Chef - Hamilton's Kitchen

About the Role

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. 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, while 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 and production of all meal periods.

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, ensuring all menu items meet quality and cost standards.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking activities, ensuring dishes are prepared according to established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards, while adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• 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, ensuring 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, ensuring all kitchen staff are properly trained and certified in food handling and safety procedures.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and taste, conducting regular taste tests and quality checks to ensure all dishes meet the restaurant's standards of excellence and guest expectations.

Requirements

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

Skills

• Strong culinary and cooking skills, with expertise in different styles of cooking.
• Food cost analysis, including knowledge of food ordering, inventories, and 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 of food costs and minimizing waste in the kitchen.

Benefits

• Health coverage with up to 80% employer contribution toward individual health plans, plus affordable dental and vision insurance.
• FSA and HSA options for healthcare cost planning.
• 401K plan with discretionary yearly match to help build your financial future.
• Paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared-cost short-term disability, and optional additional employee-paid life insurance.
• Robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays for work-life balance.
• Earned wage access program for quick access to your paycheck.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), sober support network, and a recovery-friendly workplace.
• Exclusive hotel travel discounts for team members.
• Additional property-specific benefits may be available.