Executive Sous Chef

Executive Sous Chef - Filé Gumbo Bar
Location: New York City

Filé Gumbo Bar is seeking a dynamic Executive Sous Chef to join our culinary team in our bustling NYC casual fine dining establishment. Working directly under our Executive Chef, you will play a crucial hands-on role in maintaining and elevating our high culinary standards while actively participating on the line during various services. This position requires a blend of culinary expertise, leadership skills, and digital proficiency to excel in our fast-paced, scratch kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Operations

- Execute all menu items to exact specifications during lunch/brunch and dinner service as an active line cook

- Maintain consistency and quality standards across all dishes in our scratch kitchen

- Assist in menu development and seasonal item creation

- Oversee food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation standards

- Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance throughout the kitchen

Leadership & Team Management

- Lead and mentor kitchen staff during service and prep shifts

- Train new team members on recipes, techniques, and restaurant standards

- Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture while maintaining high performance standards

- Assist Executive Chef with staff scheduling and labor cost management

- Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to line cooks and prep staff

Digital Operations & Technology

- Proficiently manage staff scheduling using 7shifts software

- Navigate and troubleshoot Toast POS system for kitchen operations

- Utilize Xtra Chef for inventory management and cost control

- Comfortable working with Apple products for digital recipe cards and restaurant management applications

- Generate reports and analyze kitchen metrics using digital platforms

Administrative Duties

- Assist with daily/weekly inventory management and ordering procedures

- Monitor food costs and portion control to meet budget targets

- Ensure compliance with health department regulations and internal standards

- Participate in menu costing and recipe standardization

- Support Executive Chef with vendor relationships and product sourcing

Required Qualifications

Experience & Skills

- Minimum 3-5 years experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in casual fine dining

- Proven ability to work effectively on the line during high-volume service (200+ covers)

- Strong knife skills and comprehensive knowledge of cooking techniques

- Experience in scratch kitchens with emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients

- Demonstrated leadership abilities with kitchen staff management experience

- Must have NYC Food Protection Certificate

Technical Requirements

- Proficiency with 7shifts scheduling software

- Experience with Toast POS system

- Knowledge of Xtra Chef inventory management platform

- Comfortable using Apple products (iPad, iPhone, Mac)

- General digital literacy and ability to adapt to new restaurant technology

Personal Attributes

- Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure

- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

- Flexible schedule availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays

- Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and work in fast-paced environment

- Team-oriented mindset with ability to lead by example

Preferred Qualifications

- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training

- Experience with Southern/Creole cuisine preferred

- Food safety certification (ServSafe)

- Previous experience in NYC restaurant market

- Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish/French) a plus

What We Offer

- Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
- 401K options 

- Health benefit contributions
- Commuter benefits package

- Paid time off and sick leave

- Professional development opportunities

- Creative input in menu development

- Opportunity to grow within an expanding restaurant group

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, and move quickly for extended periods. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, work in hot kitchen conditions, and maintain focus during high-pressure service periods.

-----

**To Apply:** Please submit your resume along with a cover letter detailing your experience with the required software platforms and your passion for scratch cooking in a casual fine dining Cajun/Creole environment.