Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg on the top floor of the Penny Hotel, eLNico is a dynamic and contemporary restaurant that celebrates the bold, vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine, with a special emphasis on Mexican dishes. As we continue to evolve and expand our culinary vision, we are seeking a talented and driven Sous Chef to support our Executive Chef in leading the kitchen team and executing an exceptional dining experience.
The Sous Chef at eLNico plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of our kitchen. This position requires a strong culinary foundation in Mexican and Latin American cuisine, along with proven experience in kitchen leadership and operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on team player who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced environment and is passionate about mentorship, consistency, and quality. This role offers the opportunity to contribute creatively to menu development while helping guide the daily success of our back-of-house operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Is knowledgeable of all menu items on scheduled shift (am/pm).
- Prepares all ingredients for the shift before service begins.
- Operates station in an efficient, safe manner.
- Practices serve-safe methods in preparing, cooking, holding and storing of all food items.
- Able to perform repetitive work.
- Knowledgeable of cooking procedures.
- Responsible for producing excellent quality.
- Follow opening and closing procedures.
- Able to work in a high pace and hot environment.
- Keep workspace fully stocked.
- Able to follow written or verbal instructions.
- Proper handling, storage of all food items.
- Prepare food items according to designated recipes and quality standards.
- Maintain cleanliness and comply with food sanitation standards at all times.
- Manage guest orders in a friendly, timely and efficient manner.
- Ensure knowledge of menu and all food products.
- Visually inspect all food sent from the kitchen.
- Prepare requisitions for supplies and food items, as needed
- Uses proper knife skills.
- Maintains regular attendance, is consistently on time, and observes work, break and meal periods in compliance with standards.
- Maintains high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include compliance with the dress code.
- Performs any other duties as requested by supervisor.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.
DESIRED COMPETENCIES, WORK SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies. Other competencies may be required.
Associate demonstrates a high QUALITY of work:
- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
- Monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Provides the best possible service to clients and customers.
Associate demonstrates acceptable PRODUCTIVITY standards
- Meets or exceeds productivity standards.
- Produces adequate volume of work efficiently in a specific time.
Associate demonstrates excellent CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS
- Responds to requests for service and assistance.
- Demonstrates the desire and ability to provide high quality service to both internal and external customers.
- Solicits customer feedback to improve service.
Associate demonstrates INITIATIVE
- Asks for and offers help when needed.
- Includes appropriate people in decision-making.
Associate demonstrates ACCOUNTABILITY for their job performance
- Takes responsibility for own actions.
- Performs work with little or no supervision; works independently.
- Can be relied upon regarding task completion and follow up.
Associate demonstrates exemplary DEPENDABILITY / RELIABILITY
- Can be relied upon regarding task completion and follow up.
- Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to use cooking metrics and conversion methods for all cooking measurements.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
- Safe Serve/Food Handler’s Card
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment normally entails the following:
• Kitchen environment - varying degrees in temperature
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals throughout the day
• Minimal to moderate noise levels consistent with hotel environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
During the course of performing the physical demands of this position, associates are expected to observe and adhere to safety and security procedures, promoting a safe work environment.
The physical activity normally entails the following attributes.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work – Exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 20 lbs of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time or during entire shift.
