Sous Chef - Zaytinya LA

Sous Chef - Zaytinya LA


Company
José Andrés Group - Los Angeles
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Job Type
Full-time
Salary
70K–80K a year
Posted
4 days ago
Via
Culinary Agents

Job Description
Job Title: Sous Chef
Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef
Department: Back of House – Culinary
Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary

The Sous Chef is a hands-on kitchen leader who ensures daily prep, service, and sanitation meet JAG standards. You’ll run the line during assigned services, coach cooks, manage station pars and ticket flow, uphold food safety compliance, and support inventory and COGS discipline—partnering closely with the Chef de Cuisine/Executive Chef to deliver consistent quality, speed, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Standards & Training
• Lead line checks and pre-service tastings; calibrate seasoning, temperatures, texture, and plating to spec.
• Uphold standardized recipes/SOPs; communicate updates and spot-train on techniques in real time.
• Coach cooks on knife skills, fire management, station organization, and expo discipline.

Service Execution & Expo
• Own the pass or a key station during assigned services; protect window times and quality.
• Monitor KDS/printers; communicate pacing, 86s, and low pars to FOH leadership promptly.
• Drive immediate recovery for remakes and service issues, capture learnings in manager logs.

Prep, Pars & Production
• Translate forecast into actionable prep lists; set station pars and adjust throughout the day.
• Verify labeling, dating, FIFO, and hold times; ensure accurate yields on batch production.
• Support menu changes/specials with mise en place, tastings, and training materials.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
• Enforce DOH/HACCP: cooling logs, hot/cold holding, allergen/cross-contact protocols, and personal hygiene.
• Maintain cleaning schedules and equipment care; ensure safe chemical/PPE use.
• Prepare for inspections and correct violations immediately.

Inventory, COGS & Ordering
• Assist with ordering and receiving; verify quality/temperatures and proper storage by zone.
• Maintain inventory accuracy and waste logs; reinforce portioning and recipe adherence to meet COGS targets.
• Flag shortages and propose substitutions that protect quality and margin.

Labor, Scheduling & Deployment
• Provide input on schedules to match volume and skill mix; manage breaks and deployment in shift.
• Cross-train team across stations to maintain coverage and growth opportunities.

Equipment, Facilities & R&M
• Ensure safe operation and daily maintenance of kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, ovens, slicers, immersion blenders).
• Filter fryers, clean hoods/filters per schedule; submit/track work orders and tag out unsafe equipment.

Events, Banquets & Openings (as applicable)
• Execute BEOs, PDR, and off-site activations to standard, on time and to cost.
• Support openings and seasonal transitions: hiring support, training, tastings, prep builds, and stabilization.

Required Qualifications
• 3–5+ years of professional kitchen experience with 1–2+ years as a lead/strong line cook or Sous in upscale/casual-fine or fine dining.
• Advanced station skills (grill, sauté, fry, garde manger) and strong expo experience.
• Knowledge of HACCP/food safety; ServSafe Manager or equivalent (or ability to obtain).
• Proven ability to coach teams, stay organized under pressure, and communicate clearly.
• Familiarity with KDS/POS, inventory, and scheduling tools; Google Workspace comfort.
• Schedule flexibility (nights, weekends, holidays).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
• Stand and move for extended periods (up to 8+ hours); frequent bending/reaching.
• Lift/carry/push/pull up to 35–50 lbs.
• Continuous exposure to heat, steam, refrigeration, and cleaning chemicals; repetitive knife/equipment use.
• Slip-resistant footwear required.

In Return, We Offer You
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health & wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee dining and partner discounts
• Professional growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer

José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Packing Jobs

Q What is the minimum wage for packing jobs in the United States in 2026?
As per the United States Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for packing jobs is $7.25 per hour as of 2026, with overtime required at 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. Many warehouse packing positions in states like California pay at least $16.50 per hour under state laws effective January 1, 2026.
Q Which visa do international applicants need for packing jobs in the United States?
As per the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, temporary non-agricultural packing jobs require an H-2B visa with employer-filed petitions due by the 2026 cap deadlines of January 1 and July 1. Applicants must also hold valid work authorization and pass background checks before starting employment.
Q What education or prior experience is required for entry-level packing jobs?
As per the United States Department of Labor, packing jobs have no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or GED equivalent and provide on-the-job training with zero prior experience needed for most warehouse roles in 2026.
Q What documents must be submitted when applying for packing jobs?
As per the United States Department of Labor, applicants need a valid photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN, and Form I-9 employment eligibility documents submitted directly to the employer by the 2026 start date. Background checks and drug screenings are completed before the first shift.
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