Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $60,000.00 - $75,000.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
Day Shifts
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Benefits

Competitive wages
Career progression
Professional Development

Job Description

Elena James is the latest restaurant concept from renowned restauranteurs Colin McClimans and Danilo Simic, soon to open in the vibrant Chevy Chase neighborhood. This Casual American restaurant is the newest addition to the successful team behind Nina May and Opal, bringing a fresh and inviting dining experience that highlights seasonality and sustainability. Elena James prides itself on being a welcoming neighborhood eatery where guests can enjoy high-quality American cuisine in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is part of a growing group that values career progression and professional development, making it an excellent place for committed hospitality professionals to build a rewarding career.

Elena James is currently seeking a dedicated Sous Chef to join their dynamic team. This position offers the chance to work closely with Executive Chef Colin McClimans, a distinguished industry professional recognized by Zagat’s 30 under 30 in 2015, who brings over 15 years of experience in the Washington, DC hospitality scene. The Sous Chef role is vital to maintaining the kitchen’s high standards by executing menu items and recipes crafted by the award-winning chef. It requires managing multiple aspects of a busy, multifaceted kitchen during various meal periods while fostering a positive and productive team environment. Candidates must be passionate about food and beverages with a genuine eagerness to grow and contribute creatively to the restaurant’s culinary vision.

The Sous Chef at Elena James will influence kitchen operations with leadership and collaboration, ensuring consistent delivery of quality dishes even in high-pressure settings. They will have responsibility for multitasking, monitoring food wastage and cooking temperatures, assisting in inventory management to maintain sustainable food costs, and upholding cleanliness and sanitation standards in compliance with Department of Health regulations. Safety and morale are priorities, ensuring a workplace that supports the wellbeing and professional growth of all team members.

Elena James offers competitive wages, along with opportunities for career advancement within a supportive and innovative restaurant group. Passionate culinary professionals who bring a strong work ethic and a positive attitude will find a home here, joining an opening team where their skills and contributions are valued. This role is ideal for individuals who are ready to commit to a long-term career with a restaurant that embraces sustainable practices and seasonal ingredients, and who want to expand their culinary expertise under experienced leadership. The establishment encourages those eager to take on challenges and grow in their profession to apply and become part of this exciting new venture.

Job Requirements

  • Career-minded
  • looking to stay in one place for a longer period of time and grow with the company
  • passion for food and beverage
  • willingness to learn and develop professionally
  • strong leadership abilities
  • ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • excellent multitasking skills
  • commitment to maintaining health and safety standards
  • ability to work collaboratively with team members
  • flexibility to cover all kitchen stations as needed

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum of four years of experience in industry leading kitchens
  • strong attention to detail and a need to work clean
  • experience organizing food storage over multiple cooling units and dry storage
  • experience taking, submitting, and maintaining inventory
  • experience managing multiple people in a kitchen setting organized around both short term and long term goals
  • California Food Handler’s Certification
  • Manager’s Certification is a plus
  • knowledge of advanced cooking techniques and how to use a variety of commercial cooking devices
  • great attitude and personal integrity

Job Duties

  • Influentially lead a team while working collaboratively with Executive Chef to execute dishes and assist menu development
  • produce consistent, quality dishes in a fast-paced environment
  • provide a positive influence to the team and coverage or assistance to all stations as needed
  • work well under pressure while also creating a welcoming work environment that increases staff morale
  • ability to multitask, watch wastage, cooking temps and quality to reduce additional costs
  • assist with inventory to support the kitchen operating at a sustainable food cost
  • maintain cleanliness and sanitary standards throughout the facility in compliance with DOH standards
  • maintain a safe environment for all Team Members

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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