Sous Chef (Full-Time) | Smith Tower

Columbia Hospitality•Seattle, WA

5d•$30 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Sous Chef provides hands-on leadership for the daily culinary operations at Smith Tower, overseeing food production, kitchen operations, and Back of House team performance in support of the Observatory Bar and private events. This role is responsible for maintaining exceptional quality, consistency, sanitation, and operational excellence while partnering with the Operations Manager to deliver innovative culinary offerings and memorable guest experiences.

Requirements

Culinary arts degree or equivalent training, with at least 5+ years in the industry and 2+ years in a management role within a comparable environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to address sensitive inquiries and operational needs.
Proficiency in managing according to employment and industry-relevant laws.
Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation abilities in a dynamic work environment.
Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other relevant software.
Able to do menu costing and analyze product mix
Professional, enthusiastic demeanor with a focus on team engagement and client satisfaction.
Exceptional organizational skills with a reliable and punctual work ethic.
Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s) and WA State MAST Permit
Smith Tower is a ‘No Fire’ kitchen: no fire ranges, fryers, or ovens.

Responsibilities

Manages and leads the day-to-day culinary operations of the kitchen, managing the lead cook and line cooks, ensuring efficient execution and presentation of all food services for the Observatory Bar, private events, and catering.
Collaborate with the Operations Manager to develop, refine, and execute seasonal menus and food offerings for the Observatory Bar, including catering and special events for up to 200 guests.
Develops, implements, and maintains kitchen procedures (SOPs) that ensure operational efficiency, consistency, and adherence to established culinary standards.
Maintains the highest standards of food quality, presentation, preparation, sanitation, and food safety while ensuring compliance with all local, state, and company regulations.
Ensure timely, professional, and courteous execution of all food services to support an exceptional guest and client experience.
Responsible with the recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and development of all Back of House team members.
Provides positive, hands-on leadership that motivates, develops, and inspires the culinary team while fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
Responsible for monitoring food cost, labor utilization, waste, and productivity, providing recommendations to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
Conducts daily inspections of walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage, prep areas, and kitchen workstations to ensure proper food rotation, cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.
Responsible purchasing, receiving, inventory management/month end inventory counts, and product rotation to maintain accurate inventory levels and minimize waste.
Responsible for all opening and closing kitchen procedures.
Maintains all required health department standards and ensures the kitchen is always inspection ready.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

Hourly Wage: $30 – 34/hour DOE
Parking Allowance
Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
Paid Time off & Holiday Pay
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail
Employee Assistance Program “Columbia Cares”
Volunteer Opportunities
Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)
Incentive Eligible