Sous Chef - Milk & Honey

Thompson Hospitality Corporation•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

Milk & Honey, part of Thompson Restaurants, is seeking a passionate and driven Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations and help deliver the food and guest experiences the restaurant is known for. This leadership role involves developing the kitchen team, maintaining high culinary standards, and supporting smooth daily operations, from preparation and service through ordering, inventory, food quality, sanitation, and cost control. The Sous Chef works closely with the General Manager and culinary team, leads by example, and fosters a positive, accountable kitchen culture. The role requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. The position involves working in a fast-paced kitchen and may require early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical demands include standing and walking for extended periods, frequent bending and reaching, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Experience in a high-class dining experience.
Experience as a Sous Chef.
A great attitude and work ethic.
Ability to move freely in large kitchen spaces, storage areas, and multiple dining facilities across campus.
Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during long shifts.
Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and twisting.
Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Manual dexterity to handle knives, cookware, and kitchen equipment safely.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
Tolerance for exposure to heat, steam, noise, and open flames.
Ability to navigate tight kitchen spaces and multitask efficiently.
Visual and sensory acuity to inspect food quality, presentation, and safety.
Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Nice To Haves

May require climbing ladders or using step stools to access upper storage or equipment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Executive Chef in planning and executing Milk & Honey’s culinary vision.
Oversee food preparation and ensure dishes are executed with precision and creativity.
Collaborate with the kitchen team to maintain a smooth workflow during service.
Uphold high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation.
Train and mentor kitchen staff in culinary techniques and presentation.
Support kitchen operations including daily preparation and service execution, ordering, inventory, food quality, sanitation, and cost control.
Work 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
401(k) with matching up to 4%
Short- and long-term disability
Tuition reimbursement
Employee referral program
Pet insurance
Discounts on hotels, travel, tickets, and restaurants
Discounted meal plan at HBCU client locations for employees and their relatives while attending school