Sous Chef
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Sous Chef is responsible for the day-to-day kitchen operations, people management, and banquet culinary execution at assigned location. This position reports to the Chef/Executive Chef.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, will partner on oversight of kitchen staff including but not limited to interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training and development, mentoring and performance management.
- In collaboration with the Chef/Executive Chef, prepares and executes special events, banquets and themed menus.
- Participates in the execution of administrative functions including but not limited to scheduling and payroll.
- Successfully partners with Front of the House/Catering and Restaurant Management Teams.
- Participates in menu development for restaurants and banquets/catering and commissary operations.
- Responsible for daily operations of full service restaurant, banquets/catering and commissary kitchen including accuracy in product ordering, forecasting and scheduling.
- Develops best practice facility standards and provides guidance and performance expectations to meet DEH standards.
- Ensures proper equipment is in place and functional.
- Responsible for accurate recipe implementation and oversight of inventory activities.
- Monitors inventory levels.
- Ensures highest food safety standards including but not limited to correct food temperatures, conducting safety training, inspections and maintaining documentation to comply with federal, state and local food safety standards.
- Partners with Chef/Executive Chef to forecast labor usage for kitchen operations and food/supply costs.
- Ensures safe working conditions and practices, including high levels of food safety and sanitation.
- Research new products with sustainability and conservation to implement in support of the organization's mission.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Mkutano House is an upcoming restaurant concept built around community, connection, and exceptional guest experiences.
We are seeking passionate, reliable, and service-oriented individuals who are excited to help bring this vision to life from the ground up. If you excel in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your craft, and believe outstanding food is best enjoyed alongside genuine hospitality, you will find a strong sense of purpose here. This is more than a position—it is an opportunity to grow with a dedicated team, help shape a new dining destination, and contribute meaningfully from day one.
Candidates with fine dining and high-volume experience are preferred.
- JOB EXPERIENCE
- Must have 1-2 years of prior culinary management experience.
- EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Certification from accredited culinary program or equivalent specialized training required.
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SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of various styles of cuisine preparation and presentation.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team.
- Comfortable with computers and working with Microsoft Office products and ordering systems.
- Must be able to understand how to write and to read recipes and custom menus.
- Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
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- Strong working knowledge of food safety rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of banquets/catering operations and the overall food profession.
- Knowledge of policies and procedures based on the food guidelines and industry best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a high volume environment with competing deadlines.
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: Escondido, CA
- Position Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt Position
- Salary Rate: $77,225.00