Job Description

Why We're Here

We believe heartfelt, human connections make people's lives better. Especially the people who work here.

Our founder, Bill Kimpton rebelled against impersonal, generic hospitality that makes people feel disconnected. He initiated a new boutique hotel standard and environment where people could connect, from the heart. That was the goal then, and it is still our purpose today.

Your work here has meaning. You're here to improve the lives of coworkers, guests, owners, communities, and together we make that happen. It's what drives all that we do. Every day you can improve lives in your own, unique way and you can expect the same in return. It all starts with you.

How We're Different

Our San Francisco-born entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life kick started this culture in 1981, and it shines through to this day.

It all flows from you. The lively, rebellious, genuine you - with your diverse background, talents, experiences, and plucky personality - is fully welcome, and celebrated here. Because we know that when people can be themselves at work, they shine.

That's what we seek out and celebrate. It's people of all kinds who share a knack for creativity and self-leadership. People who don't need to be told what to do to get things done. People who have an innate passion for making others' lives better.

It adds up to a work environment that's a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional. Guests feel it; you'll feel it too.

What You'll Do

The Executive Sous Chef is the strategic second-in-command of the culinary operation at the Surfcomber Hotel, partnering closely with the Executive Chef to lead daily operations, large-scale production, and team development across multiple dining outlets and service styles.

This role oversees culinary execution for:

• The Social Club
  • Daily brunch operations
  • French-inspired dinner service
• Solei Beach Club
  • Mediterranean-meets–South Beach cuisine
  • Poolside, beach, cabana, and palapa dining
• Banquets & Catering
• In-room dining support
• Seasonal activations and special events

You will lead and support a culinary team of approximately 28 associates, ensuring consistency, creativity, and hospitality across all concepts.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef to drive culinary excellence, operational consistency, and financial performance
• Lead daily culinary operations across breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, beach, pool, banquets, and events
• Serve as the operational leader in the absence of the Executive Chef, resolving issues calmly and confidently
• Supervise food production at all stations, assist cooks, and expedite service when needed
• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, timing, and brand standards
• Assist in menu development, tastings, recipe standardization, costing, and menu engineering
• Maintain strong floor presence and visibility during service periods
• Participate in daily lineups, menu meetings, and ongoing service education
• Ensure food is produced and served on a timely basis across all outlets

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, mentor, coach, and inspire a diverse culinary team
• Interview, hire, onboard, train, and retain top culinary talent
• Identify high-potential team members and support internal development
• Plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline appropriately
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and high-performance kitchen culture
• Enforce company policies, safety procedures, sanitation standards, and health regulations
• Address employee concerns, resolve conflicts, and maintain positive team morale

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with labor management, scheduling, payroll controls, and overtime management
• Monitor food costs, waste, prep pars, and production efficiency
• Support purchasing, ordering, inventory management, receiving, and vendor relationships
• Ensure all products are received in correct quantities and quality
• Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and financial target achievement
• Complete required paperwork, reports, schedules, and documentation accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations and company standards

Operational Excellence

• Maintain high levels of cleanliness, organization, and readiness across all kitchen areas
• Supervise daily cleaning of prep kitchens, cooking lines, dish areas, and walk-ins
• Drive systems, structure, and SOPs across prep, production, and communication
• Maintain strong collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that elevate efficiency and guest experience

What You Bring

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary leadership experience in high-volume, full-service restaurants, hotels, or lifestyle hospitality environments
• Previous Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience strongly preferred
• Experience overseeing multiple outlets and banquets/catering simultaneously
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Passion for diverse cooking techniques, ingredients, equipment, and industry trends
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, POS systems, inventory/procurement software, and payroll/timekeeping systems
• Ability to read, execute, and enforce recipes, standards, and food safety requirements
• Culinary degree preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Food Handler Certification and required sanitation certifications
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Differences make a difference. We are committed to creating a culture that reflects the diversity of our hotel and restaurant guests. With that goal in mind, we encourage each of our employees to understand, accept, and celebrate differences among people. That includes different personalities, lifestyles, work styles, education, and experience. We also welcome and embrace people of all races, ethnicities, ages, religions, physical abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and genders. For our complete EEO policy click here

Be 100% You. Be The Ultimate Host. Spark Joy.