Job Description
Client Profile
Our client is a well known name in the Napa Valley. The restaurant has become a staple within the local community and broader culinary world for his food and approach to hospitality.
Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Sous Chef to join the culinary team of an acclaimed, Michelin-level restaurant. Working closely with the Executive Chef, this individual will play a critical role in maintaining the restaurant's exacting standards of culinary excellence, service, and hospitality.
The ideal candidate is a passionate and disciplined culinary leader with a strong technical foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and a genuine desire to continue developing their craft. They will be equally comfortable leading a demanding service, mentoring cooks, and collaborating with the culinary leadership team on menu development and execution.
This is an opportunity for a talented chef to join a highly creative environment where quality, precision, seasonality, and consistency are paramount.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to execute the restaurant's culinary vision and maintain exceptional standards across every service.
- Lead and supervise kitchen operations during service, ensuring precise execution, timing, consistency, and presentation.
- Maintain the highest standards of food quality, preparation, seasoning, and plating.
- Support menu development, recipe testing, and the introduction of new dishes and seasonal offerings.
- Ensure all recipes, techniques, and plating standards are consistently executed.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop cooks at all levels while fostering a culture of professionalism, discipline, and continuous learning.
- Train team members on culinary techniques, recipes, presentation, and service standards.
- Provide clear direction and feedback while maintaining a positive and collaborative kitchen culture.
- Assist with recruiting and onboarding culinary talent as the team grows.
- Lead by example and remain actively engaged on the line during service.
Kitchen Operations
- Oversee daily preparation, mise en place, organization, and station readiness.
- Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership to ensure smooth and efficient service.
- Monitor product quality and freshness from receiving through final execution.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, efficiency, and consistency without compromising culinary standards.
Cost & Inventory Management
- Support inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper product storage.
- Help manage food costs through accurate preparation, portioning, waste control, and utilization.
- Maintain strong relationships with purveyors and ensure quality standards are consistently met.
- Assist with menu costing and analysis as required.
Qualifications
- 4+ years of progressive experience in high-end, fine dining, or Michelin-recognized restaurants.
- Previous Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie experience in a highly regarded culinary environment.
- Strong classical and contemporary culinary foundation with exceptional technical skills.
- Proven ability to lead a professional kitchen during high-volume, high-pressure services.
- Experience mentoring and developing culinary teams.
- Strong understanding of seasonality, product quality, and refined presentation.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a serious culinary professional who is passionate about excellence without taking themselves too seriously. They have the technical ability and discipline to operate at a Michelin level but understand that great kitchens are built through teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
They are calm under pressure, highly organized, curious, and constantly looking for ways to improve. They take pride in the details, understand that consistency is as important as creativity, and are excited by the opportunity to learn from and contribute to a talented culinary team.
Most importantly, they are ready to take the next step in their culinary leadership journey and have the ambition to eventually lead a kitchen of their own.
Offer
This role is offering a strong remuneration package based on the experience of the candidate.
To learn more about this role, submit your application or contact Ben Fitzgerald at ben@hastingspeople.com
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