Sous Chef – The Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The legendary Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show is seeking an experienced and highly organized Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team.
As one of South Florida's most iconic hospitality destinations, The Mai-Kai serves thousands of guests weekly through our award-winning dining program, bars, special events, and world-famous Polynesian revue. We are looking for a culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is passionate about developing teams, maintaining standards, and driving operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership
- Assist the Executive Chef in all daily culinary operations
- Lead kitchen shifts and ensure smooth execution of service
- Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and portion standards
- Uphold all sanitation, safety, and health department requirements
- Assist with menu development and seasonal specials
Purchasing & Inventory Management
- Place and manage food orders with approved vendors
- Monitor inventory levels and maintain proper stock levels
- Conduct weekly inventories and assist with food cost management
- Verify deliveries for quality, accuracy, and pricing
- Reduce waste and identify cost-saving opportunities
Scheduling & Labor Management
- Create and maintain kitchen schedules
- Monitor labor costs and staffing levels
- Coordinate staffing for special events and large functions
- Manage time-off requests and employee attendance
Training & Team Development
- Train new culinary team members on recipes, procedures, and standards
- Develop line cooks and prep cooks through ongoing coaching
- Conduct performance feedback and corrective training when necessary
- Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented culture
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of Sous Chef or Kitchen Management experience
- High-volume restaurant experience required
- Strong knowledge of purchasing, inventory controls, and food costing
- Experience creating schedules and managing labor budgets
- Proven success training and developing culinary teams
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- ServSafe Certification
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Paid Time Off
- Dining discounts
- Growth opportunities within an expanding hospitality organization
- Opportunity to be part of one of America's most celebrated historic restaurants
Why The Mai-Kai?
The Mai-Kai is more than a restaurant—it is a cultural institution. This is an opportunity to help lead a culinary team that serves guests from around the world while preserving and advancing a legendary hospitality experience.
Apply today and become part of The Mai-Kai Ohana.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
