Job Overview

moneybag

Compensation

Salary
Range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00
diamond

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
short term disability
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Dining Discounts

Job Description

Aventura is a renowned restaurant located in Ann Arbor, known for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary excellence inspired by the bold flavors and wood-fired cooking traditions of Spain. As one of the busiest and most dynamic kitchens in the area, Aventura prides itself on delivering exceptional dining experiences through a commitment to creativity, teamwork, and consistency. The restaurant's fast-paced service environment is built around a culture of craft and vibrant hospitality, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Spanish cuisine and an engaging social experience.

The Executive Sous Chef role at Aventura is a critical leadership position within the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to ensure smooth operations and high culinary standards each day. This hands-on role focuses on managing team performance, optimizing kitchen systems, and maintaining meticulous attention to detail in food quality and consistency. The Executive Sous Chef leads by example, fostering a professional and positive kitchen culture where accountability, teamwork, and excellence are deeply valued.

This position entails significant operational responsibilities such as overseeing daily back-of-house activities, supporting staff development, and coordinating schedules and inventory management. The Executive Sous Chef is tasked with balancing creativity with operational efficiency, ensuring that every service runs seamlessly despite the demanding pace and volume. With a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 annually, this role offers a competitive compensation package for candidates ready to contribute their leadership and culinary expertise to a top-tier restaurant group.

Ideal candidates will bring at least three years of kitchen management experience in high-volume or chef-driven environments, coupled with strong communication skills and the ability to develop and lead teams effectively. They must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrive under pressure while maintaining professionalism and urgency. Additionally, the role demands physical endurance and flexibility, including the ability to stand for long shifts, lift heavy items, and work varied hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Joining Aventura means becoming part of The Pulpo Group, a respected restaurant organization in Ann Arbor known for its commitment to employee growth and fostering a collaborative work culture. Team members enjoy a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement plans, and leadership development opportunities. The Executive Sous Chef will be instrumental in upholding the group’s standards of hospitality, operational excellence, and team engagement, contributing to the ongoing success and reputation of this vibrant dining establishment.

Job Requirements

  • Demonstrates professionalism, urgency, and accountability in fast-paced kitchen environments
  • Maintains strong organization and operational follow-through across daily kitchen systems and responsibilities
  • Communicates clearly and collaborates effectively with both back of house and front of house leadership teams
  • Supports staff development, coaching, and performance accountability through consistent leadership presence
  • Adapts quickly and responds effectively during high-volume services and operational challenges
  • Remain standing and active for extended periods during service and production shifts
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds when needed throughout daily operations
  • Work nights, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules based on restaurant needs
  • Safely operate standard kitchen equipment in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  • Move efficiently throughout all kitchen areas during active service periods

Job Qualifications

  • 3+ years of kitchen management or sous chef leadership experience in a high-volume or chef-driven restaurant environment
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable
  • Demonstrated organizational skills with experience managing systems, prep flow, scheduling, and operational follow-through
  • Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with both back of house and front of house leadership teams
  • Operates with professionalism, urgency, accountability, and attention to detail in fast-paced environments

Job Duties

  • Oversee and lead all daily back-of-house operations alongside the Executive Chef
  • Support and develop cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen leaders through coaching, accountability, and hands-on leadership
  • Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, organization, and execution during every service
  • Assist with scheduling, ordering, inventory management, prep systems, and labor controls
  • Lead line execution and expo during service while helping maintain strong communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams
  • Support onboarding, training, and performance development across the kitchen team
  • Help create a positive, professional, high-accountability kitchen culture centered around teamwork and excellence

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef