Catering Services, Coaching, Communication Skills, Cook Dishes, Cost Control, Diversity, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Food Quality, Food Safety, Health Department, Health Maintenance, Inventory Management, Leadership, Mentoring, Operations, Organizational Skills, Plating Processes, Procedure Implementation, Quality Management, Restaurant, Safety Process, Sanitation, ServSafe Certification, Staff Training, Storytelling, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Vendor/Supplier Relations
Sous Chef
COMMUNION Restaurant & Bar | Seattle, WA
Compensation:$29 - $32/hour + Tips
Status: Full-Time | Hourly
Reports To: Executive Chef
About COMMUNIONFounded by James Beard Award recognized Chef Kristi Brown and Damon Bomar, COMMUNION celebrates Black foodways while honoring the diverse cultures that shape Seattle. Our menu blends Southern traditions, Pacific Northwest ingredients, and global influences into a dining experience rooted in hospitality, community, and storytelling.
We re looking for a culinary leader who believes great kitchens are built on respect, consistency, accountability, and genuine hospitality.
About the RoleWe re seeking an experienced Sous Chef to help lead one of Seattle s most celebrated independent restaurants.
This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, mentoring the culinary team, maintaining exceptional food quality, and ensuring every service reflects COMMUNION s standards.
You ll work closely with our Executive Chef while helping develop systems, people, and culture that allow our kitchen to perform at the highest level.
If you re passionate about leadership as much as cooking, we d love to meet you.
What You ll Do
Leadership
- Lead kitchen operations during service
- Supervise and coach line cooks and prep cooks
- Foster a culture of accountability and teamwork
- Lead by example through professionalism and work ethic
- Conduct daily line-ups and shift communication
Culinary Excellence
- Ensure consistency in quality, plating, and execution
- Maintain recipe standards
- Monitor ticket times and kitchen flow
- Assist with menu implementation and seasonal features
- Collaborate with FOH leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences
Operations
- Assist with scheduling and labor management
- Complete inventory and ordering
- Receive deliveries and maintain vendor relationships
- Monitor food cost and minimize waste
- Ensure prep production meets business demands
- Support catering and private events when needed
Team Development
- Train and onboard new kitchen employees
- Coach and mentor cooks through ongoing development
- Cross-train staff across stations
- Assist in hiring and interviewing
- Help identify future kitchen leaders
Food Safety
- Maintain Health Department standards
- Ensure proper sanitation and organization
- Enforce food safety procedures
- Maintain equipment and cleanliness throughout the kitchen
What We re Looking For
- 3+ years of Sous Chef or Kitchen Management experience
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Experience in high-volume, scratch kitchens
- Passion for developing people
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Food cost and inventory management experience
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with Southern cuisine
- Experience with Pacific Northwest ingredients
- MarginEdge experience
- Catering production experience
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Vacation
- Shift Meals
- Employee Dining Discount
- Professional Development Opportunities
Why COMMUNION?COMMUNION is more than a restaurant it s a nationally recognized, independently owned business rooted in community, culture, and hospitality.
We re looking for leaders who are committed to building great teams, supporting one another, and continually raising the bar.
If you want to grow your career while helping shape one of Seattle s most respected kitchens, we d love to hear from you.