LEGAL SEA FOODS logo

Sous Chef- Metro West

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Career development opportunities
Workplace training

Job Description

Legal Sea Foods, renowned for its dedication to providing exceptional seafood dining experiences, is a distinguished restaurant brand with a rich heritage of culinary excellence. Founded with the commitment to freshness, quality, and superior service, Legal Sea Foods has established itself as a leader in the seafood and hospitality industry. The company operates multiple locations, each designed to offer guests an inviting ambiance and a memorable dining experience centered around sustainably sourced seafood and innovative culinary techniques. Legal Sea Foods is committed to fostering a positive work culture that emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and exceptional guest satisfaction. The establishment continually invests in its employees through training programs, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment that respects diversity and inclusion.

The Sous Chef role at Legal Sea Foods is critical to the operational success and management of the Heart of House (HOH) team. As a key leadership position reporting directly to the Executive Sous Chef, the Sous Chef is entrusted with managing all HOH team members, encompassing hiring, scheduling, assigning tasks, training, coaching, counseling, disciplining, and performance reviews. The role requires experienced culinary leadership capable of handling a range of responsibilities including inventory management, cost controls, labor optimization, and adherence to company policies such as food safety and sanitation standards.

This position carries substantial responsibilities, including acting as the primary point of contact and authority in the absence of the Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef. The Sous Chef is expected to exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing operational practices, handling disputes, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and fostering professional development among the kitchen staff. Furthermore, the Sous Chef will oversee the development and growth of cooks and other HOH members, empower team members, delegate responsibilities effectively, and ensure consistent, high-quality culinary output by enforcing adherence to company recipes and approved products.

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are vital for success in this position as the Sous Chef must relate courteously and professionally to guests, supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, and vendors. Key competencies include excellent guest service skills, good judgment, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to understand and respond to guest needs promptly. Additionally, proficiency in business systems such as POS, HRIS, scheduling, inventory, and labor management tools is essential to ensure efficient restaurant operations.

This role demands a commitment to long hours and fast-paced work in a restaurant environment, including physical demands like lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, and maintaining balance throughout the shift. The work environment is dynamic and requires both verbal communication and attentive listening to maintain a high standard of guest satisfaction and team coordination.

Legal Sea Foods values compliance and integrity, participating in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires. As such, candidates will be required to complete Form I-9 and successfully engage with the E-Verify process.

Overall, the Sous Chef is a vital leadership figure within Legal Sea Foods, combining culinary expertise with effective team management to deliver memorable dining experiences and uphold the company’s reputation for excellence in seafood cuisine.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma required
  • 3 to 5 years experience in professional kitchens
  • Minimum 1 year in a Sous Chef or leadership role
  • Culinary degree or certificate preferred
  • Prior restaurant or hospitality experience
  • Serv Safe Food and Alcohol Certification required
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook
  • Ability to interact courteously with guests, supervisors, and co-workers
  • Ability to make independent decisions and solve problems
  • Excellent guest service skills
  • Ability to understand and respond to guest needs
  • Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and maintain fast-paced mobility
  • Willingness to work 50 hours per week including weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

  • 3 to 5 years in professional kitchens with at least 1 year in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role
  • Culinary degree or certificate preferred
  • High school diploma required
  • Prior restaurant or hospitality work experience
  • Serv Safe Food and Alcohol Certification
  • Leadership qualities including good listening skills and ability to motivate others
  • Excellent guest service skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and restaurant business systems
  • Good judgment and ability to make independent decisions
  • Ability to effectively communicate with guests, vendors, team members, and management
  • Ability to understand guest needs and expedite requests

Job Duties

  • Manage and direct the heart of house (HOH) team including hiring, scheduling, assigning and directing work
  • Train, coach, counsel, and discipline HOH team members
  • Conduct regular meetings and performance reviews
  • Resolve team member complaints and recommend terminations
  • Control inventory, variances, and ordering for the HOH department
  • Manage and direct all HOH departments in absence of Executive Chef or Sous Chef
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment on HOH department operations
  • Assist in controlling food and labor costs
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures
  • Address guest complaints and satisfaction issues promptly
  • Utilize company business systems effectively
  • Assign and approve work of Cooks and HOH members
  • Develop and mentor Cooks and HOH team members
  • Determine appropriate staffing levels and manage breaks and shift cuts
  • Participate in interviewing and hiring
  • Complete performance appraisals
  • Handle discipline and performance management
  • Authorize and assign overtime
  • Ensure company recipes and approved products are followed

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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