Reports to: Executive Sous Chef
Experience Required: Minimum 3–5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in boutique, lifestyle, or luxury properties.
Hotel ZaZa is a boutique luxury brand known for its bold style, exceptional service, and unforgettable guest experiences. With properties in Houston, Austin, and Dallas, we blend artful design with a vibrant atmosphere that captures the spirit of Texas.
Position Overview:
The Sous Chef at Hotel ZaZa Austin is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef in the daily operation of the kitchen. This role ensures the consistent execution of Hotel ZaZa’s culinary standards through exceptional food quality, team leadership, operational efficiency, and a commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences.
The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and leads by example through professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail. The Sous Chef plays a critical role in maintaining kitchen standards, developing culinary talent, and ensuring all food is prepared and presented in accordance with Hotel ZaZa’s commitment to excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Support the Executive Sous Chef in the daily operation of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
-
Lead, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
-
Oversee food preparation and service execution to ensure adherence to recipes, quality standards, and Hotel ZaZa expectations.
-
Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health department, and workplace safety regulations.
-
Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and cost-control initiatives to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
-
Ensure kitchen facilities, equipment, and work areas remain clean, organized, and well maintained.
-
Partner with the Executive Sous Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and special culinary initiatives.
-
Support banquet, catering, VIP, and special event operations as needed.
-
Contribute to achieving departmental goals related to guest satisfaction, team performance, operational excellence, and financial results.
Qualifications:
-
Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in an upscale, luxury, or high-volume hotel environment.
-
Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety practices, and kitchen operations.
-
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop culinary teams.
-
Working knowledge of inventory management, food costing, and labor controls.
-
ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
-
Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.
-
Culinary degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
Why Hotel ZaZa:
At Hotel ZaZa, we believe exceptional experiences begin with exceptional people. Our culinary team is passionate about creating memorable moments through bold flavors, elevated service, and genuine hospitality. If you are a driven culinary professional who thrives in a collaborative and creative environment, we invite you to join our team and help bring the ZaZa experience to life.
No Job Description for a position can possibly include all duties, which may be requested by guests or required by the hotel. The objective of all positions is to effectively provide the services personally, or to immediately refer requests to the appropriate department manager. Hotel ZaZa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender/sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, age, or veteran status. Hotel ZaZa also participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
