Job Description

Situated in Downtown’s 2nd Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and wellbeing. With an emphasis on collaboration, Austin Proper features both inspired interiors by acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler and is guided by the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker MML Hospitality. Essentials include 238 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drink; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; and a variety of atmospheric event spaces. And it wouldn’t be Proper without a 5th floor pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and sunset views.

Position Overview

The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Chef de Cuisine in overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation and presentation of high-quality dishes in a timely and efficient manner. This role involves supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation, assisting with inventory control, and ensuring food safety standards. The Sous Chef is expected to contribute to menu development, maintain consistency in food quality, and assist in managing kitchen operations to meet the demands of La Piscina's guests while ensuring a smooth, efficient, and collaborative kitchen environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations Management

• Support the Chef de Cuisine in overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest quality standards
• Supervise kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and other kitchen personnel, ensuring proper execution of menu items and kitchen processes
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, ensuring that food preparation areas are well-stocked and sanitized
• Coordinate the preparation and service of dishes during peak hours, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining high standards of taste and presentation
• Step into leadership roles in the absence of the Executive Chef or Head Chef, assuming full responsibility for kitchen operations

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervise kitchen team members, ensuring that all staff is performing tasks efficiently and adhering to standard operating procedures
• Assist with training new kitchen staff, ensuring they are familiar with menu items, equipment usage, safety protocols, and kitchen cleanliness standards
• Provide ongoing feedback to staff regarding performance, productivity, and opportunities for development
• Ensure kitchen staff adheres to food safety guidelines, health standards, and personal hygiene practices
• Assist in scheduling kitchen shifts to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while maintaining labor cost control

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Oversee the preparation and cooking of menu items, ensuring consistency in taste, quality, and presentation
• Ensure all food items are prepared according to recipe specifications and portion control standards
• Manage food preparation stations to ensure an efficient flow of operations, particularly during high-volume service periods
• Assist in the development of new menu items, adjusting recipes and preparing seasonal dishes that reflect guest preferences and trends
• Ensure that all dishes meet food safety and presentation standards, troubleshooting any issues as needed

Inventory & Stock Control

• Help monitor kitchen inventory, ensuring that supplies are stocked in accordance with demand while minimizing waste and overstocking
• Assist in managing food orders, working closely with the Executive Chef or Head Chef to maintain stock levels and manage product costs
• Assist in conducting regular inventory checks to ensure that all food items, kitchen supplies, and equipment are in good condition
• Maintain proper storage of ingredients and finished products, ensuring all food is stored according to safety standards

Food Safety & Cleanliness

• Adhere to food safety protocols, ensuring proper food handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices are followed at all times
• Ensure kitchen equipment is cleaned and maintained regularly to avoid breakdowns and maintain operational efficiency
• Monitor staff to ensure that health and safety standards are followed, including regular cleaning of workstations, kitchen surfaces, and equipment
• Conduct daily inspections to verify that all food is stored at the correct temperatures and that there are no violations of food safety regulations

Guest Experience & Satisfaction

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality meals that meet guest expectations, providing a memorable dining experience
• Address any guest concerns related to food quality or service in a professional and efficient manner
• Collaborate with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth communication between the kitchen and dining room, adjusting as necessary to meet guest requests or special dietary needs
• Work with the team to ensure special requests, such as dietary restrictions or allergies, are accommodated without affecting the quality of the meal

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate effectively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure smooth and efficient restaurant operations
• Work with the Executive Chef or Head Chef to maintain consistent food quality and address operational challenges
• Assist in coordinating with restaurant management to accommodate large parties, special events, or catering needs
• Participate in pre-service meetings to discuss daily specials, menu items, and any special requirements

Education and/or Experience

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training and experience
• 3+ years of experience in a culinary leadership or supervisory role, with a minimum of 1-2 years as a Sous Chef or in a similar role
• Proven experience in high-volume kitchen operations, with expertise in menu preparation, food presentation, and kitchen organization
• Strong understanding of food safety practices and kitchen hygiene standards
• Experience in managing kitchen staff and maintaining operational efficiency in a fast-paced environment

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong culinary expertise, with in-depth knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and food safety standards
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor kitchen staff
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with both kitchen staff and front-of-house personnel
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to maintain cleanliness, order, and efficiency in the kitchen
• Proficiency in inventory management, food cost control, and kitchen budgeting
• Ability to adapt to menu changes and creatively respond to customer preferences

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced kitchen environment, standing for long periods and working under tight deadlines
• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy objects (up to 50 lbs)
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations
• Ability to work in hot, noisy, and sometimes stressful conditions during peak service hours

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is a diverse team of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: there is a right way to do things, and anything less just isn’t proper. We are seeking the best of the best—both within and outside the industry—to join us in building a new kind of lifestyle hospitality company, inspired by a centuries-old tradition. Our work is challenging and fast-paced, but above all, it is rewarding.

We bring our vision to life —to inspire and transport people —by seeking like-minded candidates who embody our ethos, The Pillars of Proper:

• Care Proper: We are natural and gracious hosts to all.
• Achieve Proper: We are committed to excellence.
• Imagine Proper: We are resourceful.
• Present Proper: We have an appreciation for style and culture.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

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