Highlands
Job Description One Willow Seafood and Raw Bar is seeking a qualified and professional Sous Chef to join its team. As Sous Chef, you will serve as the Executive Chef's right hand, overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring flawless execution during service, and upholding the highest standards of quality, consistency, and food safety. This is a leadership role in a fast-paced, high-volume fine-dining environment where precision, creativity, and teamwork are essential. You will step in to lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence and contribute to menu development with a focus on seafood excellence and creativity. You will also be responsible for communicating and ordering seafood through our sister seafood market, Sandy Hook Seafood. Key Responsibilities • Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef on menu planning, daily specials, staff scheduling, staff training, raw bar, seasonal offerings, private event execution, with strong emphasis on seafood sourcing, butchery/filleting, and innovative yet elegant preparations for menu items and specials., • Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure every dish meets the Executive Chefs standards for flavor, texture, temperature, and visual presentation., • Supervise and direct the kitchen staff with fair yet assertive demeanor during mise en place preparation, service, closing and opening procedures., • Execute nightly ordering with accuracy and organization for both BOH and FOH (bar) products in collaboration with Executive Chef., • Maintain strict consistency across all stations, particularly raw bar, hot line, garmo, and prep station., • Manage and ensure completion of kitchen operations forms daily i.e Order Guides, Opening/Closing Checklists, Prep Sheets, Protein Counts, BEO forms., • Manage kitchen inventory, par levels, ordering, and cost control for all items to minimize waste while maximizing quality., • Enforce rigorous food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in compliance with health regulations and our internal protocols., • Train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff; foster a positive, high-performance team culture., • Expedite during peak service periods to ensure timing, quality, and flow., • Step in as kitchen leader in the Executive Chef's absence, making real-time decisions to maintain service standards and efficiently manage kitchen staff., • Contribute ideas for improving efficiency, sustainability practices, and overall guest experience., • Work collaboratively with FOH management positions to ensure smooth service. Qualifications & Requirements • Minimum 4–6 years of progressive culinary experience in high-end/fine-dining restaurants, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or Sous Chef role., • Demonstrated expertise in premium seafood handling, preparation, and cooking techniques (filleting, portioning, cooking methods such as poaching, grilling, searing, crudo, ceviche, shucking, etc.), • Solid understanding of food cost control, inventory management, and waste reduction., • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure., • Culinary degree or formal apprenticeship preferred but not required; equivalent experience considered., • Current food handler/safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent)., • Passion for seafood, sustainability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences., • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in the restaurant industry. What We Offer • Opportunity to work with premium, seasonal, and sustainably sourced ingredients in a respected high-end establishment., • Competitive compensation package with performance incentives., • Paid time off and dining privileges., • Support for professional growth and creativity within a collaborative team., • A beautiful, state-of-the-art kitchen designed for precision and efficiency. If you are a driven, detail-oriented leader with a deep respect for seafood and a passion for fine-dining excellence, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant seafood experience, and references.