Sous Chef

Join the Award-Winning Culinary Team at Alila Napa Valley – A Forbes 4-Star Luxury Resort

Alila Napa Valley is seeking a passionate and experienced Sous Chef to support our world-class culinary operation; Violetto Restaurant. An award-winning fine dining cuisine focusing on fresh ingredients and influenced by the Italian-French history in the Napa Valley region. This role is perfect for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, high-end kitchen environment and wants to grow their career in one of Napa Valley’s premier boutique resorts.

Located in St. Helena, CA, Alila Napa Valley blends luxury with sustainability and personalized service. As part of the Hyatt family, you’ll be supported with professional development opportunities, exceptional benefits, and a deeply people-first culture.

What You Will Do:

• Lead daily back-of-house operations, including prep, service, and line execution
• Maintain quality, consistency, and timing in all dishes served
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal updates, and special offerings
• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost controls with a focus on sustainability and sourcing
• Uphold and enforce food safety, cleanliness, and service standards in line with luxury dining expectations
• Train and mentor kitchen team members, ensuring alignment with fine dining standards
• Foster a kitchen culture that values precision, professionalism, and creativity

At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences to every guest.  Hyatt is a place where high expectations aren't just met-they're exceeded. It's a place of outstanding rewards, where talent opens doors to exciting challenges in the hospitality industry.  It's a place where career opportunities are as unlimited as your imagination. Discover your place to shine in our warm, respectful, and inclusive culture.  

Our Hyatt Culture is represented by our mission, values, and goals through: Innovative, Respect, Service-Oriented and Inclusion.  Innovative, Hyatt is forward thinking and passionate as we seek new ways to advance in the hospitality industry. Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another.  Service-Oriented, Hyatt is customer focused by providing authentic hospitality in every way every time.

The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the Sous Chef will be expected to be responsible for the entire operation in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. The ideal Sous Chef will accomplish their tasks by monitoring the daily functions of the culinary department, including providing support and guidance to the culinary team, ending in a positive guest experience. 

Responsibilities also include: 

• Support senior leadership by developing and assuming basic management responsibilities
• Assume the role of liaison between all departments within the culinary division and all other hotel departments
• Supervise the preparation and cooking of various food items
• Develop and implement creative menu items that adhere to Hyatt brand standards
• Plan, coordinate & implement special events and holiday functions
• Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and hiring
• May manage other key culinary leadership rolls including supervisor and other less senior Sous Chefs
• Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional guest service and employee satisfaction results
• Monitor food production, ordering, cost, and quality and consistency on a daily basis
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen facilities and equipment

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of previous sous chef or culinary leadership experience, in a fine dining setting
• Deep understanding of classical technique, modern plating, and ingredient-focused cuisine
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse culinary team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Food Safety Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required
• Culinary degree or formal apprenticeship preferred

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k, and more)
• Hyatt’s travel perks and global career development opportunities
• A dynamic, collaborative work culture rooted in care, creativity, and excellence
• The opportunity to work in one of Napa’s most scenic and prestigious culinary environments