Chef

Ember & Alma is a distinguished Brazilian-American fusion restaurant located in the suburbs, dedicated to delivering world-class hospitality and innovative culinary experiences. Founded over six years ago as an immigrant-founded, family-run business, Ember & Alma has successfully bridged the gap between city-center dining and suburban accessibility. The establishment prides itself on providing an elevated yet soulful dining atmosphere, combining cultural richness with culinary craftsmanship. With its unique blend of Brazilian and American flavors, Ember & Alma has become a destination for diners seeking authenticity and excellence beyond the urban core. The restaurant’s reputation for impeccable service and premier culinary programming sets it apart in the competitive food scene.

The role of Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager at Ember & Alma is a vital position responsible for being the backbone of all back-of-house operations. This hybrid role demands a high level of technical cooking skill as well as organizational leadership. The Sous Chef will act as the ultimate "anchor" in the kitchen, executing dishes with precision and overseeing systems such as inventory management, food prep logistics, and labor coordination. The individual in this position ensures that every plate served meets the restaurant’s strict standards for quality and presentation, maintaining consistency throughout service. This hands-on leadership involves managing the kitchen line during peak hours, running the pass, and supervising team members to uphold efficiency and excellence.

Beyond culinary mastery, the Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager at Ember & Alma plays a pivotal role in the ongoing development and mentorship of the kitchen staff. Training and fostering a positive, professional, and disciplined kitchen culture is critical to sustaining high operational standards. The role also entails maintaining rigorous standard operating procedures relating to food safety, sanitation, and organization, ensuring the kitchen is always prepared for health inspections and smoothly functioning during all service shifts. Collaboration between the back-of-house and front-of-house teams is essential to delivering a seamless guest experience, requiring clear and professional communication.

Who Ember & Alma seeks in this position is a dedicated professional with at least three years of experience in a high-volume, scratch-cooking kitchen environment and some supervisory exposure. The ideal candidate exhibits a "founder’s mindset," taking pride in the small but crucial details such as ingredient cost management and station cleanliness. A passion for Latin American flavors, coupled with linguistic skills in Portuguese and/or Spanish, is a significant advantage for leading a culturally diverse team. Proficiency in knife skills, grilling, sautéing, braising, and familiarity with kitchen management technology will contribute to success in this role.

This is a unique opportunity to join an established, award-winning restaurant known for its culinary innovation and community presence. Ember & Alma values reliability, stamina, and the composure needed to thrive during busy suburban Friday night rushes. Beyond competitive compensation, the position offers a stable, long-term career path within a professional and well-organized kitchen environment, where the contributions of leadership are appreciated and rewarded. The restaurant’s owners are deeply invested in their team’s growth and in maintaining a workplace culture that balances professional achievement with genuine care for their employees and guests.