Sous Chef - Chef-Driven Seafood Restaurant

Job Description Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to join the culinary leadership team at one of Baltimore's premier chef-driven seafood restaurants. This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a high-volume, scratch kitchen and is committed to delivering exceptional food quality while developing a strong culinary team.

Working alongside an accomplished Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef, you'll play a key role in leading daily kitchen operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring every service reflects the restaurant's high standards.

Whether you're an experienced Sous Chef or a talented Chef de Cuisine or Lead Line Cook ready to step into your first Sous Chef position, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership

• Assist in leading all back-of-house operations during daily service.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a large culinary team in a fast-paced environment.
• Lead the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Culinary Execution

• Ensure consistent preparation, presentation, and quality of every dish.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
• Support prep production, station readiness, and efficient service execution.
• Uphold scratch cooking techniques and proper ingredient handling.

Operations

• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and product rotation.
• Monitor food costs, waste, and portion control.
• Support scheduling, labor management, and daily kitchen operations.
• Help maintain equipment and ensure an organized, efficient kitchen.

Team Development

• Train and mentor cooks at every level.
• Provide coaching and performance feedback to support professional growth.
• Help recruit and onboard new culinary team members.
• Lead by example with professionalism, urgency, and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of culinary leadership experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Chef de Cuisine, or senior line cook with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience in high-volume, full-service, chef-driven, seafood, or scratch kitchen environments.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and earn the respect of a diverse culinary team.
• Experience with ordering, inventory management, food cost control, and kitchen operations.
• Passion for scratch cooking and high-quality ingredients.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive during high-volume dinner service.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• A hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside the team.
• Passionate about culinary excellence and attention to detail.
• Comfortable taking ownership of kitchen operations when needed.
• Looking for a long-term career opportunity with an established restaurant.
• Committed to mentoring others and building a positive kitchen culture.

Schedule

• Primarily dinner-focused schedule.
• Mix of service, prep, and administrative shifts.
• Opportunity for consecutive days off based on business needs.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary of $65,000-$75,000, with flexibility for exceptional candidates.
• 100% employer-paid health insurance.
• Performance and holiday bonus opportunities.
• Stable leadership team and collaborative work environment.
• Career growth and development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to become part of a respected culinary team known for exceptional seafood, scratch cooking, and consistently high standards. You'll work alongside experienced leaders who value professionalism, mentorship, and long-term career development while helping shape the future of one of Baltimore's most successful independent restaurants.

Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed. Company Description The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit-ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.