Sous Chef, Aqua Bay Bar & Grille

Villatel•Orlando, FL

About The Position

Ready to turn up the heat (in the best way)? Aqua Bar & Grill is looking for a passionate, hands-on Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen and keep the good vibes (and great food) flowing! As our Sous Chef, you’ll be right in the middle of the action—supporting the Director of Food & Beverage, leading a rockstar kitchen team, and serving up fresh, flavorful dishes that wow guests enjoying resort life. From poolside bites to themed events and seasonal menus, you’ll help create culinary experiences guests can’t stop talking about. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love leading a team, and have a flair for creativity, this is your moment.

Requirements

3+ years of Sous Chef or above leadership experience
Strong skills in a high-volume bar & grill environment
Knowledge of food safety standards (SERV Safe is a bonus)
A natural leader with great communication and organization skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with menu development, themed dining, or catering (a big plus!)

Responsibilities

Lead the Kitchen Crew
Jump into daily operations and help keep the kitchen running like a well-oiled (and well-seasoned) machine
Supervise and inspire cooks during service
Take the lead when the Director of Food & Beverage is away
Help hire, train, and develop an all-star culinary team
Create a positive, high-energy, team-first environment
Deliver Next-Level Food Quality
Ensure every dish looks amazing and tastes even better and meets our standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.
Keep portions, plating, and presentation on point
Stay on top of ticket times—especially during those busy poolside rushes
Run line checks to make sure everything is fresh, prepped, and ready to shine
Get Creative with Menus
Help design and execute menus that keep guests coming back for more
Bring the fun with themed menus, holiday features, and waterpark promotions
Support seasonal menu updates and costing coupled with recipe testing, and team training
Assist with catering menus for private events and special occasions
Use guest feedback and sales trends to keep things fresh and exciting
Own Inventory & Costs
Help manage inventory, ordering, and proper stock rotation (FIFO)
Keep a close eye on food usage and minimize waste
Support food cost control and accurate inventory tracking
Keep It Clean & Safe
Maintain top-notch food safety and sanitation standards
Ensure the kitchen is always inspection-ready
Train team members on proper food handling and safety practices
Keep Things Running Smoothly
Ensure equipment is used properly and stays in great shape
Report and help coordinate any maintenance needs
Stay organized and keep kitchen flow efficient
Communicate Like a Pro
Act as the bridge between the kitchen and Director of Food & Beverage
Partner with front-of-house to deliver seamless service
Share menu updates, event details, and daily needs clearly
Step in to connect with guests when needed and resolve concerns quickly