Sous Chef | Smith Tower

At Smith Tower Observatory and Bar, the Sous Chef is a pivotal member of our culinary team, assisting in overseeing all kitchen operations to deliver exceptional food and catering experiences. They work closely with the General Manager and Senior Operations Manager to ensure quality, consistency, and innovation in our offerings, while maintaining the highest standards in food safety and team leadership.

Let’s start off with the most important part – what’s in it for you:

The Perks

• Eligibility of perks is dependent upon job status
• Salary: $77,990 - $78,250 DOE
• Parking Allowance
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters)
• Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
• HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
• Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
• Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!)
• Employee Assistance Program
• “Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities
• Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
• Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
• Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)
  
  

Our Commitment to you:

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive - and success.

Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.

What you’ll do:

The Brass Tacks

• BOH Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations creating a positive and safe workplace for all back of house team members.
• Standard Excellence: Develop and enforce procedures to meet or exceed established culinary standards, ensuring quality, presentation, and safety in every dish. Strive for Excellent Rating with the King County Health Inspections.
• Team Collaboration and Updates: Communicate daily with the General Manager and during standup meetings to address updates, changes, and operational needs effectively.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain rigorous standards for food quality, presentation, handling, sanitation, and safety, adhering to all policies and procedures.
• Client & Guest Engagement: Address client, guest, and team member requests with timeliness and professionalism.
• Staff Management: Responsible in hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating kitchen staff, fostering a positive and empowering environment.
• Cost Monitoring: Track and manage food and labor costs to ensure budget adherence.
• Inventory Oversight: Conduct weekly checks of storage areas, ensuring proper rotation, cleanliness, and sanitation. Complete all month inventory which is due by the 1st of each month before observatory operations is open.
• Culinary Innovation: Collaborate on menu development, ensuring the creation and execution of innovative and consistent menu items.
• Event Catering Expertise: Oversee all catering operations for group sizes ranging from 15 to 250 guests, ensuring all food is prepared and ready prior to event start times with immaculate and visually appealing presentation.
• Kitchen Setup: Ensure food preparation areas are fully stocked, clean, and meet presentation and health standards.
• Recipe Development and Adherence: Create recipe cards for all food items and train BOH team members to accurately follow and interpret recipes, ensuring consistency in preparation.
• Inventory & Ordering: Manage product inventories, order supplies, and oversee the receiving process.
• Team Standards: Uphold grooming, sanitation, and safe food-handling standards among all team members.
• Opening & Closing Procedures: In partnership with the Lead Cook, ensure completion of all kitchen opening and closing tasks.
• Other Duties as Assigned by Senior Management
  
  

The Nitty Gritty

• Experience: Culinary arts degree or equivalent training, with at least 7 years in the industry and 2 years in a management role within a comparable environment.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to address sensitive inquiries and operational needs.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in managing according to employment and industry-relevant laws.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation abilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other relevant software.
• Interpersonal Skills: Professional, enthusiastic demeanor with a focus on team engagement and client satisfaction.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a reliable and punctual work ethic.
• Certification: Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s) and WA State MAST Permit
  
  

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Columbia Hospitality we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we

encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Where you’ll work:

In 1914, Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than 100 years later, a new Smith Tower visitor experience has reinvigorated this local icon to the delight of visitors and tenants alike. Visitors can now enjoy Smith Tower like they've never seen before. Today, it features an entirely new visitor experience including a ground-floor gathering place with gifts, souvenirs and treats, observational deck and bar where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu of shareable plates and classic cocktails.

Smith Tower carries on its legacy of memory-making through leading tours that provide fascinating insight into the building's renowned past and legendary mysteries, hosting private events, and providing breathtaking views from every angle of the open-air Observatory.

The Fine Print

Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.

Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect

Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.