Sous Chef

About Cuerno New York 

CUERNO is redefining the Mexican culinary experience in New York. As the first Mexican steakhouse in the city, we’re proud to honor our culinary heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. We're building something extraordinary—a movement to elevate Mexican cuisine and hospitality to its rightful place on the global stage. If you're passionate, driven, and ready to make history, we want you on our team. 

Position Summary 

As the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine in the daily leadership and operation of the kitchen. You are expected to maintain the highest standards of food quality, cleanliness, organization, food safety, employee performance, and operational efficiency while supporting a professional, team-oriented work environment. 

This is a management position requiring leadership, accountability, professionalism, and flexibility. You are expected to lead by example and ensure all culinary standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements are consistently followed. 

Essential Responsibilities 

Culinary Operations 

• Assist in leading all daily kitchen operations and service execution. 
• Ensure all food is prepared, presented, and served according to established recipes, quality standards, portion specifications, and presentation guidelines. 
• Conduct daily line checks and ensure all stations are properly prepared before service. 
• Support menu execution, daily specials, private events, and special culinary projects. 
• Maintain clear communication with the Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Front-of-House management.  

Kitchen Operations & Inventory 

• Manage receiving, storage, labeling, dating, FIFO rotation, inventory organization, ordering, and pars. 
• Assist with inventory counts and monitor food quality, freshness, waste, and product utilization. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked kitchen while ensuring all equipment is properly maintained and operational. 
• Support food cost control initiatives and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. 

Food Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with all NYC Health Department regulations, HACCP standards, OSHA requirements, and company food safety and sanitation policies. 
• Conduct daily sanitation and safety inspections. 
• Monitor proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature controls. 
• Ensure the kitchen remains inspection-ready and immediately address sanitation or safety concerns. 

Team Leadership 

• Supervise, train, coach, and support culinary employees during daily operations. 
• Assist with scheduling, onboarding, employee development, performance evaluations, and corrective coaching. 
• Promote accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and respectful workplace behavior. 
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, and compliance with company policies. 
• Assist management with employee documentation and disciplinary matters when necessary.  

Management Expectations 

• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality. 
• Work 10–12-hour shifts, or longer as business needs require, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events. 
• Maintain the confidentiality of employee, payroll, financial, operational, vendor, and company information. 
• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect. 
• Follow and enforce all company policies, safety procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local laws. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support operational needs. 

Qualifications 

• 3+ years of experience in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen role, preferably in a fine-dining or Mexican cuisine environment. 
• Passion for high-quality food and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage time effectively. 
• Knowledge of kitchen safety and food health regulations. Must hold a valid Food Handler Certification or be willing to obtain one.
• Flexibility in work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. 

 Compensation, Benefits & Perks 

• Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 annually
• Performance-Based Bonus
  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts

Additional Information  

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and responsibilities of the role. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, and management reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary.  

Cuerno New York is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.