Sous Chef

About Ernest

Ernest is a Michelin-recognized restaurant from Chef Brandon Rice in San Francisco’s Mission District. Our food is fun and approachable yet refined, built around bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful execution.

We are seeking an experienced, motivated, and passionate Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who takes pride in great food, running an organized kitchen, developing a strong team, and maintaining consistently high standards.

The Position

The Sous Chef works closely with Chef and the kitchen leadership team to oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.

This position is responsible for leading the team through prep and service, maintaining food quality and consistency, managing production and organization, and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and professionally.

The Sous Chef will take ownership of assigned shifts and be expected to confidently lead the kitchen when Chef is not present.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations during prep and service
• Maintain complete working knowledge of every dish on the menu, every kitchen station, and all corresponding recipes, ingredients, preparation methods, and components. This knowledge is essential not only for consistent execution and training, but also for accurately identifying ingredients and safely managing guest allergies and dietary restrictions
• Direct, train, coach, and support the culinary team
• Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Oversee daily prep, production, station setup, and organization
• Expedite service and work stations as needed
• Maintain clear communication between the kitchen, dining room, and management teams
• Assist with scheduling and day-to-day labor management
• Support inventory, ordering, receiving, food cost, portion control, and waste management
• Ensure products are properly received, stored, labeled, dated, and rotated
• Maintain an organized, clean, safe, and efficient kitchen
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
• Participate in management meetings and communicate operational needs and concerns
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and developing kitchen employees
• Lead by example and help maintain a professional, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience
• Previous experience in a kitchen leadership or management role
• Sous Chef experience preferred
• Experience in a high-volume, quality-driven restaurant preferred
• Strong culinary and kitchen management skills
• Ability to train, coach, lead, and hold team members accountable
• Working knowledge of inventory, ordering, food cost, labor management, and waste control
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and effective during busy service
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency
• Flexible availability based on the needs of the restaurant
• Required food safety certifications, or ability to obtain them prior to employment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to perform the physical tasks associated with kitchen operations
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000–$90,000 per year

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits.

The Opportunity

We are looking for someone who wants to take ownership of their position, become an important part of our leadership team, and continue developing as both a chef and manager.

Ernest is a demanding, fast-paced restaurant with high standards, but we believe those standards should exist alongside professionalism, respect, and a positive working environment.

We want someone who is excited to lead a team and help us continue making Ernest a great restaurant and a great place to work.

Ernest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief introduction.

Website: https://www.ernestSF.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ernest.sf/
Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/ernest