Sous Chef

Ama is a mission-driven, all-day dining destination rooted in the nourishment of guests, community, and planet. We celebrate Northern Italian traditions through a healthful, sustainable lens — offering café, aperitivo bar, focacceria, and evening ristorante experiences. 

As part of our culinary leadership team, you’ll help uphold Ama’s ethos of integrity, creativity, and hospitality excellence.

The Sous Chef will be integral to the execution and evolution of Ama’s culinary vision. You will support the Chef Di Cucina and Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu execution, staff development, and ensuring that Ama’s philosophy of nourishment, sustainability, and excellence is evident in every dish.

You’ll act as a custodian of quality and innovation, while leading with empathy, precision, and a commitment to Ama’s mission.

• Assist in designing, refining, and executing menus that align with Ama’s Northern Italian, health-forward, sustainable approach (focaccias, aperitivo plates, seasonal pastas, clean ingredients, etc.).

• Lead, supervise, and mentor line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen staff — including training, development plans, and coaching to raise standards.

• Maintain consistent recipe execution: portion control, plating standards, flavor balance, presentation, and timing.

• Manage daily kitchen operations: station assignments, line setup, prep flows, and service execution (breakfast / lunch / brunch / aperitivo / dinner).

• Monitor and control food costs, ordering, vendors, waste, inventory, and storage — always seeking sustainability and efficiency.

• Oversee compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and allergen protocols (e.g. seed-oil free orientations, cross-contamination awareness).

• Step in to run the kitchen in the Chef Di Cucina's absence, ensuring seamless service and staff support.

• Collaborate with front-of-house and management teams on special events, catering, private dining, and menu changes.

• Evaluate performance metrics (plate quality, timing, waste, guest feedback), and contribute to continuous improvement.

• Embody Ama’s mission and culture: fostering a respectful, communicative, high-morale kitchen environment that reflects values of transparency, wellness, and purpose.

• Culinary degree or equivalent formal training / experience.

• At least 4–6 years of kitchen experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory role (preferably in fine dining, modern Italian, or concept-driven kitchens).

• Deep knowledge of Italian cuisine fundamentals (especially Northern Italy / focacceria / antipasti / pastas) and comfort with contemporary, health-oriented culinary techniques.

• Experience working in a sustainability- or wellness-oriented restaurant, or with clean ingredient / dietary awareness (e.g. allergen handling, reduced waste/composting, ingredient sourcing from local farms).

• Strong leadership skills: ability to communicate clearly, lead by example, mentor, and maintain composure under pressure.

• Proven ability to control food cost, manage vendors, inventory systems, and ordering.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to troubleshoot quickly during busy service.

• Passion for evolving menus, creativity, and staying current with culinary trends (especially in wellness, sustainability, seasonal ingredients).

• Flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays, per restaurant service hours.

• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal skills, and alignment with Ama’s values of hospitality, integrity, and mission.

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Health, vision, dental, wellness perks 

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company

Please send the following to [email protected] (or through Ama’s career portal):

1. Resume

2. Cover letter expressing why you’re drawn to Ama’s mission and your culinary philosophy

3. References

We are excited to find someone who can help Ama continue growing in excellence, sustainability, and love.