We are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join a growing culinary team based in Los Alamitos. This is not a traditional restaurant position. We operate a high-volume test kitchen and culinary development environment focused on recipe development, food innovation, menu creation, production systems, and operational excellence.
This role is ideal for a chef with strong technical skills, broad culinary knowledge, and the ability to execute across multiple cuisines and cooking styles. You will play a major role in daily operations, culinary decision-making, kitchen management, process improvement, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations
- Execute and develop recipes with consistency and precision
- Work across multiple cuisines, flavor profiles, and cooking techniques
- Manage prep, production, inventory, ordering, and food cost controls
- Train and mentor kitchen staff
- Maintain food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
- Collaborate on menu development, product testing, and culinary innovation
- Contribute ideas and help shape operational systems and procedures
- Support leadership in building a high-performance culinary culture
Qualifications:
- Previous Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, CDC, or Senior Line Cook experience
- Strong understanding of global cuisines and culinary techniques
- Experience with high-volume production kitchens preferred
- Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and labor efficiency
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills
- Ability to work independently and solve problems proactively
- Passion for food development, recipe testing, and continuous improvement
What Makes This Different:
- No customer-facing responsibilities
- Primarily test kitchen and culinary development work
- Significant input on kitchen operations and decision-making
- Opportunity to influence systems, processes, and future growth
- Stable, professional environment focused on food quality and innovation
Keywords:
Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Chef de Cuisine, Culinary Manager, Food Production, Test Kitchen, Research and Development Chef, R&D Chef, Product Development, Menu Development, High Volume Kitchen, Catering Chef, Commissary Kitchen, Multi-Unit Culinary, Food Innovation, Recipe Development, Culinary Operations, Inventory Management, Food Cost Control, Leadership, Global Cuisine, Fine Dining Experience, Scratch Kitchen, Culinary Training, HACCP, Los Alamitos, Orange County.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief summary of your culinary background and leadership experience.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
