
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $45,600.00 - $61,500.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Historic setting
Health Insurance
Pension Plan
vision plan
flexible spending accounts
sick pay
Vacation pay
Holiday pay
401(k) Plan
Life insurance
long-term disability
Accidental death insurance
Group travel accident insurance
Job Description
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, established in 1926, is a distinguished private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that preserves and operates one of the world's largest and most renowned museum complexes. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, this foundation is dedicated to the mission that "the future may learn from the past" by preserving and restoring Williamsburg, the colonial capital in the 18th century. The Foundation offers a unique living history museum experience encompassing a 301-acre historic area that includes 88 original buildings and 525 reconstructions, all meticulously researched and restored to reflect the 18th-century era. With highly trained interpreters and expert tradespeople dressed in period clothing, the museum brings American colonial history to life, creating an engaging, educational, and inspiring environment for visitors. Additionally, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation features world-class museums, including the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, as well as the John D Rockefeller Jr Library, a renowned research resource. Alongside these cultural assets, the foundation boasts exceptional accommodations such as the Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, among other historic lodgings, complemented by various on-site dining establishments that offer a blend of historically inspired ambiance with contemporary culinary tastes. Attracting over 5 million annual visitors, plus an additional 20 million digital engagements, the Foundation stands as a prominent cultural cornerstone and a thriving hospitality destination.
The Sous Chef at Colonial Williamsburg is a vital leadership role dedicated to upholding the exceptional culinary standards of the Williamsburg Lodge. This position entails managing kitchen operations to achieve operational, financial, and quality goals while delivering creative and high-quality cuisine that emphasizes innovative presentation and flavors. The Sous Chef supervises, trains, and motivates kitchen staff to maintain efficient production while controlling costs and adhering to quality standards. This role includes developing and implementing breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that align with the Foundation's branding and dining strategies. The Sous Chef works closely with the Guest Service managers and other hospitality peers to ensure adherence to policies and superior guest satisfaction, contributing to market growth and increased revenues. Responsibilities also include managing food preparation and service, controlling inventory and sanitation, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining open communication with kitchen staff and management. This position further requires hands-on oversight of food quality, recipe adherence, scheduling, staff training, and cooperation with purchasing agents to procure the freshest ingredients cost-effectively. The role demands a proactive approach to managing large dining events and continuous collaboration across departments to ensure collaborative teamwork and operational excellence. The Sous Chef is expected to uphold rigorous standards for food safety, kitchen cleanliness, and workplace safety while fostering positive employee relations and driving financial accountability through efficient labor and food cost management. Preference is given to candidates with a culinary degree and extensive professional experience in deluxe hotel, resort, or restaurant environments, as well as strong leadership, communication, and business acumen. Joining Colonial Williamsburg Foundation offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a historic institution renowned for culinary excellence within a celebrated cultural and hospitality setting.
The Sous Chef at Colonial Williamsburg is a vital leadership role dedicated to upholding the exceptional culinary standards of the Williamsburg Lodge. This position entails managing kitchen operations to achieve operational, financial, and quality goals while delivering creative and high-quality cuisine that emphasizes innovative presentation and flavors. The Sous Chef supervises, trains, and motivates kitchen staff to maintain efficient production while controlling costs and adhering to quality standards. This role includes developing and implementing breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that align with the Foundation's branding and dining strategies. The Sous Chef works closely with the Guest Service managers and other hospitality peers to ensure adherence to policies and superior guest satisfaction, contributing to market growth and increased revenues. Responsibilities also include managing food preparation and service, controlling inventory and sanitation, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining open communication with kitchen staff and management. This position further requires hands-on oversight of food quality, recipe adherence, scheduling, staff training, and cooperation with purchasing agents to procure the freshest ingredients cost-effectively. The role demands a proactive approach to managing large dining events and continuous collaboration across departments to ensure collaborative teamwork and operational excellence. The Sous Chef is expected to uphold rigorous standards for food safety, kitchen cleanliness, and workplace safety while fostering positive employee relations and driving financial accountability through efficient labor and food cost management. Preference is given to candidates with a culinary degree and extensive professional experience in deluxe hotel, resort, or restaurant environments, as well as strong leadership, communication, and business acumen. Joining Colonial Williamsburg Foundation offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a historic institution renowned for culinary excellence within a celebrated cultural and hospitality setting.
Job Requirements
- Culinary degree
- At least five years of professional managerial culinary experience
- Thorough knowledge of kitchen operations and menu development
- Experience with financial controls and budget management
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage food safety and sanitation compliance
- Proven ability to supervise and motivate staff
- Ability to develop and implement menus
- Capability to manage inventory and ordering processes
- Commitment to safety training and workplace cleanliness
- Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with front and back of house management
- Flexibility to manage large party events and special functions
Job Qualifications
- Culinary degree
- Minimum five years of experience in culinary management within hotel or restaurant settings
- Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and American regional cuisine
- Experience in menu development and food cost control
- Leadership and communication skills
- Ability to develop and maintain team partnerships
- Understanding of profit and loss management and budget administration
- Experience in guest service and back-of-house management
- Ability to analyze financial statements and forecast business levels
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Previous experience in training programs and union contract administration preferred
- Commitment to long-term role and culinary excellence
Job Duties
- Train, supervise, and motivate kitchen teams
- Develop and implement breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus
- Control food production, quality, and costs
- Ensure adherence to culinary standards and recipe cards
- Prepare foods according to standards and maintain pace of service
- Manage inventory control and food ordering according to pars and forecasting
- Enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety guidelines
- Oversee kitchen cleanliness and sanitation practices
- Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and management
- Collaborate with Guest Service managers and ensure smooth expediting of meal shifts
- Handle production for special events and large parties
- Assist in scheduling and staff planning
- Maintain financial responsibility for food and labor costs
- Conduct daily line-ups and staff performance evaluations
- Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate maintenance
- Support teamwork and develop staff efficiencies
- Attend meetings and communicate menu changes and policies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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