Culinary | Sous Chef - Arriba Abajo

Hyatt is a globally renowned hospitality company recognized for its commitment to exceptional guest experiences and superior service standards. The company operates an extensive portfolio of luxury hotels and lifestyle brands known for their dedication to creating welcoming environments and meaningful guest interactions. Hyatt's focus on innovative concepts and vibrant culinary experiences distinguishes it from other hospitality brands, making it a preferred choice for guests who value both quality and atmosphere. Among its diverse operations, Hyatt manages premier lifestyle hotels in Downtown Austin, including the Thompson and Tommie Austin. These properties cater to discerning travelers and residents seeking elevated accommodations blended with dynamic dining and entertainment options.

Arriba Abajo is a new Cantina-themed Bar and Restaurant located within these vibrant hotels. Scheduled to open in early Spring, it offers an expansive 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas. The venue also includes multiple spaces for private events and a pool deck serving hotel guests and residents. This innovative concept emphasizes a lively and engaging atmosphere, reflecting the energetic spirit of Austin while maintaining Hyatt's renowned hospitality standards. Hyatt has designed the role of Sous Chef at Arriba Abajo as a critical stepping stone for ambitious culinary professionals aiming to grow into a Chef de Cuisine position within one to two years. The position emphasizes hands-on leadership and dynamic service, requiring the individual to own daily culinary operations, uphold financial performance, and cultivate a strong, engaged kitchen team.

The Sous Chef is expected to lead various meal services, including breakfast, lunch, and select dinner periods, with an active presence on the kitchen line. This leader plays a pivotal role during peak service times by expediently managing food preparation and ensuring seamless execution. The role demands supervision of food quality, consistency, and timely production, as well as fostering effective communication between back-of-house and front-of-house teams. Supporting senior culinary leadership by assuming daily management responsibilities and acting as a liaison with other hotel departments are essential functions. Additionally, the Sous Chef will plan and coordinate special events, and develop creative menus consistent with Hyatt’s brand standards.

In terms of operational ownership, the Sous Chef manages ordering, inventory, vendor communications, and labor scheduling. They conduct monthly inventories, monitor food costs, maintain prep lists and line check systems, and enforce kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Financial accountability is key, requiring the Sous Chef to assist in managing food costs, reduce waste, align staffing with forecasted volumes, and utilize Hyatt purchasing systems efficiently.

Team leadership is central to the position, involving training, mentoring, and coaching culinary team members. The Sous Chef manages hourly kitchen employees, including scheduling and payroll, and participates in hiring and onboarding efforts. Building a culture of professionalism, accountability, urgency, pride, and service excellence is critical. Embracing Hyatt values and fostering team growth and retention help ensure outstanding guest service and colleague satisfaction.

This role suits a hands-on leader who thrives in service roles rather than administrative tasks, excels in high-energy brunch and meal services, and demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills. The ideal candidate must be financially savvy, operationally accountable, and motivated to progress toward a Chef de Cuisine position within a branded restaurant environment in a lifestyle hotel.

The Thompson Austin offers luxury accommodations with 212 guestrooms and suites, 17 residences, a wellness center, multiple restaurants, an expansive pool deck, and significant event space. The tommie Austin is a 193-room hotel designed for adventurous guests, featuring artistic and atmospheric elements, a bespoke coffee and wine shop, and authentic service tailored to individual guest preferences. Both hotels anchor the new cantina-themed restaurant concept on the ground floor, complementing additional dining venues and amenities, making this an exciting and unique culinary opportunity within a bustling lifestyle hospitality setting.

Hyatt associates enjoy a supportive and enriching work environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development. The company offers excellent benefits, including health and welfare plans, financial wellbeing programs, paid time off, family bonding time, adoption assistance, discounted and complimentary rooms at Hyatt locations worldwide, free colleague meals, and various well-being and educational assistance programs. Hyatt is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of its operations.