THE OPTIMIST SOUS CHEF – UP TO $70K/yr. + BONUS (Midtown)
About The Position
The Optimist, part of Rocket Farm Restaurants, is seeking an energetic and precise Sous Chef. The restaurant offers a seaside fish camp experience featuring high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood and beach-food classics. The Sous Chef manages hourly back-of-house staff and assists with day-to-day kitchen operations, including production, prep, special and private events, stewarding, purchasing, and receiving. The role requires a strong understanding of cooking methods and preparation techniques to ensure food is properly prepared and presented to guests in a timely manner. The Sous Chef must be able to lead the kitchen effectively and professionally when the Executive Chef is absent. The ideal candidate is a natural leader who can maintain a cohesive team, delegate efficiently, and work calmly under pressure.
Requirements
- Strong understanding and knowledge of various cooking methods and preparation techniques.
- Natural leadership ability, including the ability to maintain a cohesive team and delegate effectively.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
Nice To Haves
- Three years of progressive culinary experience preferred, including at least one year in a Lead Cook or Sous Chef position.
Responsibilities
- Manage hourly back-of-house staff.
- Assist with day-to-day operations across kitchen areas, including production, prep, special and private events, stewarding, purchasing, and receiving.
- Ensure food is properly prepared and presented to guests in a timely manner.
- Lead the kitchen effectively and professionally in the absence of the Executive Chef.
- Maintain a cohesive team, delegate efficiently, and work calmly under pressure.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of $55,000–$70,000 per year, depending on experience, plus a generous quarterly bonus program.
- Eligibility for major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits after 30 days of employment.
- Dynamic performance-based raises and promotions.
- Paid time off, childbirth recovery leave, and parental leave.
- Significant long-term retention bonuses.
- Time off on most major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- 50% discount at Rocket Farm Restaurants locations.
- Rocket Farm University leadership classes and personalized career-advancement support.
- Employee-led mentorship programs, an Advisory Council, and a Safety Committee.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
