Sonesta logo

Sous Chef

Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
moneybag

Compensation

Hourly
Range $27.00 - $29.50
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
diamond

Benefits

Paid holidays
Health savings account
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Paid parental leave
401(k)
Disability insurance
401(k) matching
Tuition Reimbursement
Vision Insurance
Parental leave
Life insurance

Job Description

Sonesta International Hotels is the 8th largest hotel company in the United States, rapidly expanding its presence across major cities domestically and internationally. Known for its unique blend of full-service and focused hotels, Sonesta operates a diverse portfolio that includes owned, managed, and franchised properties. This extensive network spans over 1000 properties in eight countries and counting, making Sonesta a prominent name in the hospitality industry. The company is driven by a strong commitment to the human side of hospitality—delivering service with passion, building loyalty with purpose, and creating memorable experiences that truly connect with guests.

At Sonesta, the philosophy "Together We Thrive" captures the collaborative spirit that fuels the company’s ongoing success. This ethos emphasizes the importance of quality, value, and exceptional hospitality, which the brand delivers at every property and to every guest. Sonesta’s dedication to innovation, excellence, and inclusiveness has positioned it as a leader in the hotel industry, continuously setting high standards in guest services and operational performance.

The role of Sous Chef at Sonesta International Hotels is an integral leadership position within their Food and Beverage department. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays a critical part in coordinating menus, overseeing purchasing, scheduling staff, managing food preparation, and ensuring precision in plating for banquet and catering events. This role demands a strong focus on maintaining profitable Food & Beverage operations while upholding the highest standards of quality products and service.

The Sous Chef is accountable for providing training and mentorship to kitchen staff, ensuring that corporate quality standards are met consistently. This includes establishing and enforcing strict food specifications, managing portion control, validating recipes, and maintaining sanitation protocols. The position requires hands-on involvement in all aspects of banquet culinary operations—from ordering and inventory management to supervising daily food production and presentation.

This role also involves analyzing banquet event orders to plan the food and beverage components of client functions effectively. The Sous Chef ensures that all kitchen operations run smoothly, with special attention to food safety, sanitation compliance with state and local health regulations, and team productivity. They engage closely with line cooks, coordinating daily production standards and performing line checks to maintain quality.

The Sous Chef must demonstrate strong leadership by assigning duties, expediting dinner service, managing kitchen equipment care, and maintaining cleanliness throughout the kitchen area. Additionally, this role fosters a service-oriented environment by adhering to Sonesta’s GUEST model, delivering personalized and engaging guest experiences that anticipate needs, resolve issues, and create lasting impressions.

This position is designated as an Overtime Eligible Manager with an average workweek of approximately 45 hours. Sonesta offers a competitive pay range of $27.00 to $29.50 per hour, reflecting the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience. Beyond competitive wages, Sonesta supports its employees with an expansive benefits package designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • minimum of 2 years culinary experience in banquet or catering environments
  • ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays
  • strong leadership skills
  • knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • ability to stand for extended periods
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
  • must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • availability to work approximately 45 hours per week
  • ability to lift and move heavy items as necessary

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • culinary degree or equivalent culinary experience preferred
  • prior experience in banquet and catering event food preparation and supervision
  • strong leadership and training abilities
  • knowledge of food preparation techniques and culinary standards
  • proficiency in food safety and sanitation regulations
  • ability to manage inventory and ordering processes
  • excellent organizational and communication skills
  • experience with kitchen equipment maintenance
  • ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • commitment to delivering excellent guest service according to hospitality standards
  • understanding of cost control and food and labor budgeting

Job Duties

  • Primarily responsible for ordering and requisitioning banquet products in a timely manner and in appropriate quantities
  • responsible for the coordination, planning and supervision of the production and presentation of food served at all banquet events
  • manage and participate in daily banquet culinary operations including preparation and production of meals, supervision of food quality and presentation, compliance with safety and sanitation standards, team member productivity and performance, implementation of policies and procedures, cost controls and profitability
  • analyze banquet event orders to plan and coordinate the food and beverage portion of client functions
  • perform all daily walk through inventory to determine daily production and prioritize product utilization
  • help assign production duties to all staff
  • conduct a line check for dinner service to ensure quality of product
  • meet daily with line cooks to coordinate and ensure production standards
  • properly use, handle, clean, breakdown, and maintain all kitchen equipment
  • maintain food quality standards including consistency and presentation
  • coordinate proper food storage according to standard operating procedure
  • direct employees in proper service techniques
  • assist with expediting dinner service
  • perform end of night walk through
  • document appropriate information in kitchen management log books daily
  • review information in kitchen management log books daily
  • control cleanliness and sanitation of all employees for entire kitchen
  • manage and oversee all stations and walk-ins in restaurant
  • practice, train, monitor, and maintain sanitation standards including state and local health guidelines

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