Sous Chef - Porch Kitchen + Bar

White Lodging is a renowned hospitality company that develops and operates a portfolio of award-winning, premium-brand hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants in some of the United States' most desirable cities to live in. Known for its commitment to excellence in service, the company values the human connection and the art of hospitality, recognizing that success in this business depends on how guests feel during their experiences. White Lodging's culture encourages associates to be their best selves and fosters growth and development across all levels of the organization, aiming to build an inclusive environment where every team member thrives.

One of White Lodging's premier establishments is Porch Kitchen & Bar, situated in downtown Louisville, inside the Louisville Marriott Downtown at 280 W. Jefferson Street (corner of Jefferson and 3rd). The restaurant draws inspiration from the cultural significance of the American porch, symbolizing a neighborhood living room where community members connect and share meaningful experiences. Porch Kitchen & Bar offers a soulful and down-to-earth dining experience, serving comfort food with spirited energy that attracts locals and visitors alike. The restaurant combines exceptional cuisine with a warm, inviting ambiance, making it a cornerstone of the community.

The Culinary Manager role at Porch Kitchen & Bar is a dynamic leadership position responsible for overseeing food preparation operations and ensuring the highest standards of quality and guest satisfaction. This position requires an individual who can lead culinary staff with excellence, ensuring fresh, seasonal techniques and ingredients are consistently applied across all menu items. The manager's duties extend beyond food prep to include interviewing, hiring, training, and mentoring culinary associates to build a motivated and high-performing team.

The Culinary Manager will uphold stringent cleanliness, food handling, and sanitation guidelines to maintain a safe and efficient kitchen environment. Additionally, this role involves organizing and managing all aspects of food preparation operations, including the creation of menus and recipes while meeting strict timeline goals. Efficient cost control is a critical component of this position, requiring monitoring of inventory levels, maintaining portion control, and minimizing food waste to maximize profitability.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and organizational skills to guide the kitchen team effectively, maintaining consistency and quality in all culinary operations. Collaboration with the front-of-house team is essential to enhance the overall guest experience, ensuring seamless communication and teamwork throughout the restaurant. A passion for coaching and developing talent is vital to foster a respectful and cooperative kitchen environment, encouraging career growth and advancement opportunities for team members.

Educational qualifications such as an associate's degree in culinary arts or business administration are preferred for this role, reflecting the company’s emphasis on professional development and expertise. Compensation for the Culinary Manager position starts at $54,409 per year. This role also offers comprehensive benefits beginning on day one, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid parental leave, unlimited referral bonuses, vacation and paid time off with rollover, tuition reimbursement, complimentary and discounted rooms, and opportunities for leadership development. White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring all associates feel valued and respected in the workplace.