Sous Chef

Join a Mission-Driven Team Empowering Change Through Hospitality

At Emma’s Torch, we believe in the transformative power of food, community, and second chances. Our culture is rooted in dignity, inclusion, and impact—we are a team of purpose-driven individuals who show up with heart, humility, and hustle. Every day, we collaborate across kitchens, classrooms, and cafés to support refugees, asylees, and survivors of trafficking as they build meaningful careers in the culinary world.

We are educators, innovators, and advocates who take our work seriously—and ourselves a little less so. Whether you're leading a training, prepping for service, or brainstorming a new social venture, you'll be part of a values-aligned, high-trust environment where creativity is encouraged, voices are heard, and growth is shared. If you're looking for a workplace where you can make a tangible difference, learn every day, and be part of a joyful, empowerment-oriented team, we’d love to meet you.

The Sous Chef will be a part of the Emma’s Torch expansion in Inwood, and will lead in the execution of all catering and CPG production. This role combines the operational excellence in high-volume catering with the leadership and mentorship of our student population as they learn alongside one another in our kitchens. They will be expected to both lead the kitchen operations as well as assess and provide feedback to students along the way.

The Sous Chef will work alongside the Executive Sous Chef to provide a safe and constructive work environment for the students, teach the students all aspects of production and service in restaurant and catering environments, maintain a high standard of cleanliness, organization, & food quality, and manage the day-to-day back of house & service operations.

Key Responsibilities

Student Training & Support (50%)

• Responsible for BOH student training on the line in our operations
• Act as a mentor and lead by example– professionalism, work ethic, organization, and sanitation
• Promote a safe, inclusive, challenging, and sociable working environment
• Maintain open communication with students and program team around assessment, progressive discipline and supporting job placement

Cafe Profitability & Community Engagement (20%):

• Monitor menu sales in coordination with the Culinary & Operations teams
• Contribute input to guide marketing in order to improve sales
• Engage and develop guest relationships to drive repeat business
• Develop relationships with local stakeholders and the broader community to increase organizational visibility
• Assist with off-site catering events as needed

Kitchen Operations (30%)

• Setting and maintaining all service standards for the kitchen
• Ordering supplies and maintaining stock levels
• Assist with scheduling, menu development, costing, inventory, labor control, and DOH guidelines
• Family meal and creation of specials with an understanding of product utilization, organization, and cleanliness of storage areas

• Maintain facilities and equipment according to DOH standards