Sous Chef - Pizzeria

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Sous Chef in a pizzeria is the second-in-command in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in overseeing all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and kitchen management. The Sous Chef ensures the smooth operation of the kitchen, maintaining high standards of food quality and consistency, especially during peak service times. This role involves supervising staff, managing inventory, ensuring hygiene standards, and assisting in menu development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Assist the Head Chef in managing the kitchen team, including chefs de partie (CDP), commis chefs, and kitchen assistants. Ensure efficient coordination during service, particularly during busy periods.
• Pizza Preparation & Cooking: Oversee the preparation and cooking of pizzas, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery. Operate pizza ovens (wood-fired, gas, or electric) and ensure pizzas are cooked to perfection.
• Menu Development: Collaborate with the Head Chef to create new pizza recipes, seasonal specials, and other menu items. Provide input on ingredients, flavors, and presentation.
• Training & Supervision: Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, ensuring they adhere to recipes, cooking techniques, and hygiene standards. Step in for the Head Chef when they are unavailable.
• Quality Control: Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control across all dishes, with particular focus on pizza.
• Inventory & Stock Management: Monitor kitchen inventory and assist in ordering ingredients, managing stock levels, and reducing waste. Ensure all pizza ingredients (dough, sauces, toppings) are fresh and well-prepared.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure the kitchen adheres to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards. Regularly inspect the kitchen and equipment for cleanliness and proper operation.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline kitchen operations to optimize productivity and minimize delays, especially during peak hours. Coordinate with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth communication and timely service.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or senior role in a pizzeria or Italian restaurant.
• Expertise in pizza preparation, dough management, and operation of pizza ovens (wood-fired, gas, or electric).
• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to lead a team in a high-pressure environment.
• Culinary degree or formal training is preferred but not mandatory.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent pizza-making skills with attention to detail and consistency.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage a busy kitchen environment during peak service times.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Creativity in menu development and the ability to experiment with new flavors and techniques.

Working Conditions:

• Long hours of standing in a hot kitchen environment.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are common.
• Ability to handle the pressure of fast-paced service during busy periods.
• Occasional heavy lifting of kitchen equipment or ingredients.