Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
supplemental insurances
Paid Time Off
Equal opportunity employer
Smoke-free environment

Job Description

Surety Hotel, located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, stands as a shining example of heritage and modern hospitality. Nestled in a beautifully restored 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark and proudly part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, Surety Hotel combines the independent charm of the city with an elevated level of service and design. Featuring 137 guest rooms and suites, vibrant gathering spaces, and onsite dining at Mulberry Street Tavern, the hotel is more than just a place to stay—it is a cultural and culinary landmark for locals and travelers alike. Surety Hotel emphasizes unparalleled service, community connection, and hospitality excellence, making it a premier destination in Des Moines.

The Sous Chef role at Surety Hotel presents an exciting opportunity within this celebrated establishment's Food and Beverage team. Reporting directly to the Food and Beverage Director, the Sous Chef will play a pivotal role in maintaining the high culinary standards the hotel is known for. This exempt position requires a dedicated culinary professional with a passion for food artistry and a solid foundation in kitchen operations. As a key leader, the Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to collaborate on menu planning, cost control, ordering, and production oversight to ensure exceptional quality and consistency in the food offerings.

This role demands a balance of creativity, technical skills, and leadership finesse. The successful candidate will embrace the philosophy that culinary excellence is both an art and a science, demonstrating mastery in various culinary techniques and the ability to work efficiently on any kitchen station. A genuine passion for cooking is essential, as reflected in a life immersed in culinary experiences, from dog-eared cookbooks to an ever-growing knife collection.

The Sous Chef at Surety Hotel leads by example and fosters a culture of mentorship and growth within the culinary team. Compassionate and composed, you will instill respect for ingredients and locally sourced products, collaborating closely with farmers and artisans to ensure peak freshness and flavor in every dish. Your approach to leadership prioritizes collaboration, open communication, and humility, reflecting the values Aparium Hotel Group upholds.

Moreover, you will contribute to maintaining the hotel’s culinary and operational excellence by participating in team recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management. You will be instrumental in creating a transparent and supportive department culture, ensuring that all culinary associates grow their skills and understand the financial and business aspects of the operation. The Sous Chef’s role also includes maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of kitchen areas, coordinating with other hotel departments, and demonstrating flexibility to support the dynamic needs of a high-volume, world-class hotel environment.

At Aparium, cultural respect and inclusion are paramount, with a strict no-tolerance policy for outdated practices or exceptions to professional conduct. As such, the ideal Sous Chef will embody professionalism, respect, and a commitment to the team’s collective success. Joining Surety Hotel means becoming part of a team that values diversity, community, and hospitality innovation while delivering an outstanding guest experience through culinary mastery.

Job Requirements

  • Five or more years progressive culinary experience required preferably in a multi-service hotel or restaurant
  • Passion for culinary arts
  • Basic skills in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Adaptable interpersonal communication skills
  • Proficiency of English language in reading, writing and verbal communication
  • Ability to calculate basic math principles
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs
  • Ability to lift, balance and carry with assistance up to 100 lbs
  • Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods
  • Ability to withstand warm to hot environments for extended periods

Job Qualifications

  • Five or more years of progressive culinary experience preferably in a multi-service hotel or restaurant
  • Passion for culinary arts with experience across a wide range of cuisines
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills adaptable to all employee levels
  • Proficient in English reading, writing, and verbal communication
  • Ability to calculate basic math principles for menu ingredients and inventory
  • Demonstrated skills in mentoring and coaching culinary teams
  • Knowledge of culinary techniques and food safety standards
  • Ability to maintain professionalism and respect in high-pressure environments
  • Understanding of business acumen related to operational goals and budgets

Job Duties

  • Uphold and role model the company’s principles of People, Place, and Character while encouraging team collaboration and intuitive service
  • Be a key partner with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and F+B Management team to provide the best possible guest experience
  • Collaborate with and coach the team to maintain the integrity of food quality, guest experience, cleanliness, and culinary space maintenance
  • Deliver an exceptional culinary experience by balancing flavor combinations, temperature, texture, and menu flow
  • Understand operational metrics such as KPIs and P&Ls and apply critical thinking to connect them with kitchen operations
  • Coach and mentor culinary staff to develop skills, techniques, and menu execution, fostering continuous growth
  • Facilitate open communication within the department through daily line ups, meetings, and transparent dialogue
  • Participate actively in recruitment, training, scheduling, supervising, coaching, and motivating culinary associates
  • Oversee physical condition and maintenance of kitchen facilities and equipment, collaborating with engineering and vendors as needed
  • Maintain regular communication with Executive Chef and F+B Management to align priorities and support operational success

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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