Chef, Sous Chef

Saks•New York, NY

13h•$70,915 - $88,644

About The Position

The Restaurant Sous Chef is a culinary leader responsible for promoting excellence across Saks Global Restaurants. The role builds and inspires a professional culinary team, oversees daily kitchen operations, manages catering and special events, and executes restaurant initiatives while maintaining high culinary standards. The Sous Chef leads kitchen service and operations, develops daily specials and soups, ensures station readiness, and collaborates with Front of House staff to deliver a seamless guest experience. The role also oversees food cost management, inventory and purchasing, catering and events, food safety and sanitation, associate development, and communication with culinary and restaurant leadership.

Requirements

4–6 years of progressive culinary experience in a premium, fine-dining, or luxury high-volume kitchen.
Proven history of leading, motivating, and coaching kitchen teams.
Foundational financial acumen and experience managing food costs, waste, and inventory tracking.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including tactful conflict resolution and collaboration across organizational levels.
Thorough knowledge of order of service, kitchen ticket systems, and presentation guidelines.
Strong attention to detail, organization, problem-solving under pressure, and a collaborative team mentality.
Basic proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products.
Physical stamina for extended standing, bending, climbing stairs, working in high-temperature environments, and lifting or carrying up to 35 pounds.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

A four-year degree or a degree in culinary arts.
Advanced proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

Monitor, organize, and expedite kitchen plates to ensure proper presentation, temperature, and flavor before they reach guests.
Inspect cook stations daily, including preparation lists, par levels, and service readiness.
Create and execute daily specials and soups, maintain the recipe book, and provide instructions to kitchen stations.
Maintain the technical ability to work in any culinary position on the line as operational needs require.
Collaborate with Front of House staff to execute tickets and accommodate dietary restrictions and special guest requests.
Monitor, measure, and document daily food inventories to reduce waste and manage food costs.
Manage inventory counts, process batch invoices, assist with month-end forecasts, and partner with the Executive Chef on purchasing food and supplies in accordance with corporate contracts.
Collaborate with culinary leadership to plan and execute catering menus, private parties, and restaurant promotions.
Lead the culinary team in achieving and maintaining a score of 90% or better on seasonal secret shop reports and health sanitation evaluations.
Oversee cleanliness and maintenance of kitchens, walk-ins, and storage areas.
Enforce health and sanitation standards set by Saks Global, health departments, and third-party sanitation auditors.
Oversee culinary Associates’ daily tasks and foster accountability and professional growth.
Onboard, coach, and counsel direct reports, providing real-time feedback and culinary instruction.
Apply company policies and procedures consistently, including disciplinary action and conflict resolution when needed.
Communicate daily with line cooks, prep cooks, and stewarding/dish crew members to support kitchen coordination.
Partner with the Executive Chef and communicate with restaurant management about scheduling, P&L reports, and employee relations.
Attend weekly department manager meetings, share relevant updates with other business units, and relay corporate news to kitchen staff.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan
Basic life insurance
Supplemental life insurance
Disability insurance
Additional voluntary benefits, including critical illness, hospital, and accident insurance
Employee discount
Career advancement opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees