Charlotte
Job Description Position Overview The Sous Chef partners closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations at our Charlotte location. You’ll lead a talented brigade, ensure consistent execution of recipes, uphold the highest standards for food quality and presentation, and drive cost-control measures. Your leadership will foster teamwork, professional growth, and an exceptional guest experience. Key Responsibilities • Team Leadership & Development, • Supervise, coach, and mentor line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen staff., • Conduct ongoing training on recipes, knife skills, sanitation, and safety., • Lead pre-shift meetings to communicate daily specials, VIPs, and operational priorities., • Food Production & Quality Control, • Execute menu items according to standardized recipes, portioning, and plating guidelines., • Taste and inspect dishes for consistency, flavor balance, and presentation before service., • Collaborate on seasonal menu development, sourcing local ingredients when possible., • Operations & Cost Management, • Monitor food cost, labor cost, and inventory levels; implement corrective actions to hit targets., • Assist in ordering, receiving, and storage of all food and non-food supplies., • Enforce proper rotation, labeling, and waste-reduction practices., • Health, Safety & Compliance, • Ensure strict adherence to all health department regulations, HACCP standards, and company policies., • Oversee kitchen sanitation audits, corrective plans, and food safety certifications., • Collaboration & Communication, • Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service flow and resolve guest issues., • Provide feedback and performance evaluations in partnership with management., • Contribute to staff scheduling, aiding in efficient shift coverage. Qualifications & Skills • Culinary degree or equivalent certification from an accredited institution., • 5+ years of progressive kitchen experience, including 2+ years in a sous chef or leadership role—preferably in upscale casual or fine-dining concepts., • Strong understanding of cost controls, yield management, and inventory systems., • Excellent palate, creative menu development skills, and commitment to quality., • Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse culinary team., • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment., • Working knowledge of food safety regulations (ServSafe or equivalent certification preferred)., • Outstanding communication and problem-solving abilities. What We Offer • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses., • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)., • Paid time off, holiday pay, and staff meals., • Opportunities for professional development and advancement within our expanding brand., • A vibrant, supportive team culture committed to innovation and hospitality excellence.Company DescriptionPosition Overview As our Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef achieve the culinary vision and day-to-day leadership of the Charlotte kitchen. You’ll partner with leadership on menu strategy, drive profitability through cost controls, and cultivate a high-performing brigade. Your creativity, operational acumen, and unwavering commitment to quality will set the standard for every dish and service. ⸻ Key Responsibilities \t•\tCulinary Vision Menu preparation consistency Development \t•\tDesign and refresh seasonal menus that reflect Kitchen + Kocktails’ brand and local flavor. \t•\tInnovate daily specials, tasting menus, and catering offerings to entice guests and build loyalty. \t•\tKitchen Leadership & Team Building \t•\tRecruit, train, coach, and mentor line cooks, and prep staff. \t•\tFacilitate ongoing culinary training sessions, tastings, and knife-skill workshops. \t•\tEstablish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations. \t•\tOperations & Quality Control \t•\tOversee all food preparation, plating, and presentation to ensure consistency and excellence. \t•\tImplement and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs) for recipe adherence, portion control, and waste reduction. \t•\tManage kitchen workflow, station assignments, and shift-by-shift staffing to optimize efficiency. \t•\tFinancial Management & Cost Controls \t•\tSet food-cost targets; analyze P&L reports, inventory variances, and yield data. \t•\tSource vendors, negotiate pricing, and maintain par levels to minimize waste and maximize margins. \t•\tCollaborate with GM on labor budgets, scheduling, and productivity metrics. \t•\tHealth, Safety & Compliance \t•\tUphold rigorous sanitation, safety, and HACCP standards. \t•\tLead internal audits, corrective action plans, and maintain all required certifications. \t•\tCross-Functional Collaboration \t•\tWork closely with front-of-house leadership to synchronize service and respond to guest feedback in real time. \t•\tPartner with marketing on promotions, events, and culinary showcases. ⸻ Qualifications & Skills \t•\tCulinary degree or equivalent certification; 5+ years of progressive kitchen experience, including 3+ years in a Sous Chef role. \t•\tProven track record of menu innovation, cost management, and building successful culinary teams. \t•\tDeep knowledge of modern cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and plating aesthetics. \t•\tStrong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L, and vendor relationships. \t•\tExceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills. \t•\tServSafe (or equivalent) certification required; knowledge of local health-department regulations. \t•\tPassion for community engagement, farm-to-table sourcing, and sustainable practices. ⸻ What We Offer \t•\tCompetitive salary plus performance-based bonus structure. \t•\tComprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off. \t•\tProfessional development opportunities and career growth across our expanding footprint. \t•\tA dynamic, supportive culture that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and hospitality excellence.Position Overview\n\nAs our Sous Chef, you will support the Head Chef achieve the culinary vision and day-to-day leadership of the Charlotte kitchen. You’ll partner with leadership on menu strategy, drive profitability through cost controls, and cultivate a high-performing brigade. Your creativity, operational acumen, and unwavering commitment to quality will set the standard for every dish and service.\n\n⸻\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\t•\tCulinary Vision Menu preparation consistency Development\n\t•\tDesign and refresh seasonal menus that reflect Kitchen + Kocktails’ brand and local flavor.\n\t•\tInnovate daily specials, tasting menus, and catering offerings to entice guests and build loyalty.\n\t•\tKitchen Leadership & Team Building\n\t•\tRecruit, train, coach, and mentor line cooks, and prep staff.\n\t•\tFacilitate ongoing culinary training sessions, tastings, and knife-skill workshops.\n\t•\tEstablish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.\n\t•\tOperations & Quality Control\n\t•\tOversee all food preparation, plating, and presentation to ensure consistency and excellence.\n\t•\tImplement and monitor standard operating procedures (SOPs) for recipe adherence, portion control, and waste reduction.\n\t•\tManage kitchen workflow, station assignments, and shift-by-shift staffing to optimize efficiency.\n\t•\tFinancial Management & Cost Controls\n\t•\tSet food-cost targets; analyze P&L reports, inventory variances, and yield data.\n\t•\tSource vendors, negotiate pricing, and maintain par levels to minimize waste and maximize margins.\n\t•\tCollaborate with GM on labor budgets, scheduling, and productivity metrics.\n\t•\tHealth, Safety & Compliance\n\t•\tUphold rigorous sanitation, safety, and HACCP standards.\n\t•\tLead internal audits, corrective action plans, and maintain all required certifications.\n\t•\tCross-Functional Collaboration\n\t•\tWork closely with front-of-house leadership to synchronize service and respond to guest feedback in real time.\n\t•\tPartner with marketing on promotions, events, and culinary showcases.\n\n⸻\n\nQualifications & Skills\n\t•\tCulinary degree or equivalent certification; 5+ years of progressive kitchen experience, including 3+ years in a Sous Chef role.\n\t•\tProven track record of menu innovation, cost management, and building successful culinary teams.\n\t•\tDeep knowledge of modern cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and plating aesthetics.\n\t•\tStrong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, P&L, and vendor relationships.\n\t•\tExceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.\n\t•\tServSafe (or equivalent) certification required; knowledge of local health-department regulations.\n\t•\tPassion for community engagement, farm-to-table sourcing, and sustainable practices.\n\n⸻\n\nWhat We Offer\n\t•\tCompetitive salary plus performance-based bonus structure.\n\t•\tComprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision) and paid time off.\n\t•\tProfessional development opportunities and career growth across our expanding footprint.\n\t•\tA dynamic, supportive culture that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and hospitality excellence.