Sous Chef

Join Chef Thomas Keller's renowned New York destination, Per Se, as a Sous Chef. This role is integral to our team, where you will play a critical part in maintaining and elevating our culinary excellence. Per Se, a three-Michelin starred restaurant, is Chef Keller's New York interpretation of The French Laundry, offering a nightly-changing Chef's Tasting menu that showcases American cuisine with French influences. 

At Per Se, we believe that working in our kitchen is both a challenge and a privilege. The ideal candidate for this role will appreciate the structured framework while embracing the opportunity to contribute creatively. If you are someone who thrives on maintaining high standards and delights in culinary creativity, we invite you to join our team and be part of a truly exceptional dining experience. 

Responsibilities:  

• Team Leadership: Oversee the culinary production and service teams, ensuring smooth operations and top-tier performance. As a Sous Chef, lead by example, fostering collaboration and excellence. 
• Collaboration: Partner closely with our Chef de Cuisine to meet operational demands and execute requests with precision and flexibility. 
• Adaptability: Manage diverse tasks, from preparing intricate dishes for service to coordinating last-minute event needs. Maintain the high standards of the kitchen in every endeavor. 
• Leadership and Mentorship: Cultivate a structured yet creative environment, upholding the restaurant’s established systems while encouraging innovation and skill development among the team. Embrace the Per Se way of doing everything. 
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and execution in every dish, aligning with Per Se's standards. 
• Operational Oversight: Manage administrative responsibilities, including inventory control, order placement, and staff performance documentation, ensuring seamless kitchen operations. 

Qualifications:  

• 5 years of experience in a fine culinary environment, preferably within a Michelin-starred restaurant.  
• Possess a valid State Health Certificate and HACCP Training are preferred.  
• Strong attention to detail, organizational prowess, and excellent cleanliness standards. Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Proven ability to lead a team and be a player as well, work collaboratively, and adapt to a dynamic, high-demand environment. Your leadership will be key in maintaining the structured yet flexible environment at Per Se. 
• A deep desire for achieving culinary excellence and enthusiasm for food, beverage, and hospitality. You should delight in the opportunity to work with top-tier equipment, ingredients, and talented professionals. 
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and priorities, maintaining composure and effectiveness under pressure. From sudden requests to nightly service requirements, the candidate must be prepared for a variety of demands and enjoy the challenge of it. 

Chef Keller’s collection of restaurants are founded on a culture of mentorship and provide a solid foundation of skills to support the culinary profession. We are proud to offer:   

• Opportunities for growth and advancement   
• Peer mentorship   
• Scholarship programs   
• Company sponsored medical and dental plans with a contribution of up to 69% of your individual premium*   
• Voluntary plans such as vision, life insurance, accident, short- and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance and student loan refinancing.    
• 401K with no waiting periods and the opportunity to receive up to 4% of your salary as matching contributions   
• Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Keller's casual properties   
• Family meal  
• Commuter benefits  

Who we are:  

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary – The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them – and he is the only American-born chef to ever hold multiple three-star Michelin rankings. Chef Keller’s culinary skills and high standards make him an inspiration to younger chefs and have earned him countless accolades, including The Culinary Institute of America’s “Chef of the Year” Award and the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurateur” Awards. He is also the first male American chef to be designated a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 2017, Chef Keller led Team USA to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious biannual competition that is regarded as the Olympics of the culinary world. Chef Keller is the author of six best-selling cookbooks and holds an honorary Doctorate in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America.   

Looking for other opportunities with our group? Check out open positions on: ThomasKeller.com/careers  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.  

*Company contribution depends on your plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change over time.