Sous Chef – Lead Culinary Operations & Team Development
Solstice Wood Fire Cafe in Hood River, Oregon, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our culinary team beginning this Spring.
Join Solstice as our Sous Chef and take ownership of all food production across our cafe, events, and food truck operations. You’ll be a key player in achieving our financial goals and upholding our high culinary standards. This role demands a dynamic leader who can manage a fast-paced kitchen, develop a talented team, and consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Responsibilities:
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Culinary Leadership:
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Oversee all kitchen operations, including receiving, inventory, and menu execution
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Collaborate on menu development and ensure consistent, high-quality food preparation
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Maintain strict adherence to sanitation and safety standards (HACCP, health department regulations)
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Develop and maintain standard recipes and preparation procedures
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Team Management:
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Schedule, supervise, and train kitchen staff
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Foster a positive and productive work environment
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Conduct regular team meetings and training sessions
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Ensure compliance with all labor laws and company policies
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Financial Management:
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Manage food and labor costs to meet budgetary goals
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Oversee inventory control and ordering
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Accurately complete all financial and administrative tasks (invoices, reporting)
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Manage kitchen operating expenses
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Guest Experience:
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Ensure exceptional food quality and presentation
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Address guest feedback and resolve any issues promptly
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Maintain a professional and welcoming atmosphere
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Operational Excellence:
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Maintain all kitchen equipment and coordinate repairs
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Ensure proper security procedures are followed
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Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment
Requirements:
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AOS or BS in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management, OR 5+ years of kitchen management experience
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Proven ability to manage food and labor costs
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Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations
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Excellent leadership and communication skills
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Ability towork in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks
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Proficiency in basic computer applications
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Ability to lift 50 pounds, and stand for long periods of time
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Availability to work evenings & weekends
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Must possess a valid drivers license and maintain a clean driving record
Benefits:
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Competitive salary starting at $56,000 DOE
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Vacation PTO
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Medical PTO
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401k matching after 1 year
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Health Insurance & EAP after 60 days
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Company celebrations
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Paid continued education & retreats
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Food and beverage perks
Candidates may request a complete job description and apply for the Sous Chef position through this platform or by applying on our website at solsticehoodriver.com. Interviews will be scheduled for qualified candidates during the last 2 weeks of April 2025.
Solstice, a beloved Hood River waterfront restaurant, is looking for passionate individuals to join our family! We’re known for our delicious artisan wood-fired pizzas, vibrant seasonal salads and entrees, and creative cocktails, all featuring the best of local ingredients. From our slow-fermented pizza dough to our house-made sausage, we believe in crafting everything from scratch. With 18 years of growth and a strong team (many with us for 3-5 years!), we offer a positive and supportive work environment. We’re a high-volume restaurant with a heart, dedicated to serving our community and delivering memorable dining experiences. We’d love to see your resume!
