Sous Chef

Position: Sous Chef

Reports To: Executive Chef

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays a critical role in leading and motivating the culinary team to provide an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the unique Hard Rock culture. The Sous Chef will help execute menus that reflect the Hard Rock brand’s elevated and innovative culinary standards while maintaining operational excellence. This role will include a variety of responsibilities and overseeing multiple kitchens at times, which includes Sessions Restaurant, Pools, GMT -5, In-Room Dining, and 1913 Speakeasy.

Hours of Work:
This is a full-time position with a variety of hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by business needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Culinary Execution & Menu Involvement:
   • Ensure full knowledge of all recipes and demonstrate consistency in execution of dishes, presentation and taste to meet Hard Rock’s elevated standards and guest expectations.
   • Collaborate with the Food & Beverage team to craft menus that complement beverage offerings and maximize revenue opportunities.
   • Assist in adjusting dishes for guests based on allergens and dietary restrictions.
2. Operational Leadership:
   • Lead the culinary team to ensure seamless daily operations, from food preparation to plate execution.
   • Support in holding culinary team to all kitchen policies and procedures, focusing on cleanliness, safety, and compliance with all health regulations.
   • Execute systems to ensure the highest standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency in food production.
   • Operates as culinary leader when executive chef is not at the hotel.
3. Team Development & Culture:
   • Help in the recruitment, training, and mentoring of a passionate culinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
   • Provide ongoing feedback and performance evaluations to inspire excellence and encourage growth within the team.
   • Lead pre-shift meetings and maintain clear communication with front-of-house teams to ensure alignment on guest experience goals.
4. Guest Experience:
   • Be present in dining spaces during service times to engage with guests and gather feedback and relay any relevant information directly to the Executive Chef.
   • Partner with the Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef to ensure the dining experience is harmonized across outlets, aligning with Hard Rock’s iconic service philosophy.
5. Financial & Operational Oversight:
   • Drive departmental financial performance through effective labor, waste, and cost management.
   • Monitor inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Track product production, consumption and waste.
6. Food Safety:
   • Store food in designated areas following all corporate and provincial food safety and sanitation procedures.
   • Ensure proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
   • Maintain sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Clean workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keep display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.

Qualifications:

1. 4 years of related culinary supervisory experience in a fast-paced production-oriented environment.
2. Post-secondary education in culinary or related studies preferred.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls and presentation.
4. Hard-working team player with ability to prioritize effectively.
5. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
6. Ability to work cohesively as part of the culinary team and larger food & beverage division.
7. Proven leadership skills with a focus on teamwork, communication, and building strong stakeholder relationships.
8. Service-oriented mindset, with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.

Physical Aspects of Position (include but are not limited to):

1. Constant standing and walking throughout shifts.
2. Occasional lifting of items up to 50 lbs or more.
3. Seated use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse.

Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Accommodations will be made available upon request for applicants with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing the application materials or any aspect of the selection process, please contact us at careers@hrhlondonontario.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Culinary: 4 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person