Sous Chef

ROLE

Sous Chef

LOCATION

Trailborn Highlands

96 Log Cabin Ln, Highlands, NC 28741

About

TRAILBORN

Trailborn was founded on a simple idea: Life Should Be an Adventure. We build design-forward, experiential hotels to pull people out of the daily grind and into the great outdoors. Our locations are at the heart of our country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations—from national parks to wine country, and snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches.

With five properties located in North America’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including Trailborn Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado; Trailborn Highlands in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; Trailborn Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona; and Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, Trailborn brings thoughtfully designed, boutique accommodations to regions where nature and adventure converge. Additionally, Trailborn has a robust pipeline of properties opening in 2025 and 2026 including Mendocino, California.

About Our Values

We believe in HEART – Honesty, Excellence, Action, Results and Team

About Our Role

We are seeking a skilled Sous Chef to join our team at Trailborn Highlands - Highlands Supper Club. As a Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to ensure that all meals are prepared in a timely and efficient manner. The Sous Chef is a key member of our culinary team, responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in managing the kitchen operations. This role involves supervising kitchen staff, ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes, and maintaining a clean and efficient kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ultimately, you will help us deliver an exceptional dining experience to our guests.

Essential

FUNCTIONS

• Assist in Menu Planning and Development: Collaborate with the Executive Chef to create innovative and seasonal menus that meet the restaurant's standards and customer preferences.
• Supervise Kitchen Staff: Oversee the daily activities of kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers. Provide training, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Ensure Quality and Consistency: Monitor food preparation and presentation to ensure high standards of quality and consistency. Conduct regular taste tests and inspections.
• Inventory and Cost Control: Manage inventory levels, order supplies, and control food costs. Conduct regular stock checks and minimize waste.
• Maintain Cleanliness and Safety: Ensure the kitchen adheres to health and safety regulations. Maintain a clean and organized workspace and enforce proper sanitation practices.
• Assist in Cooking and Preparation: Participate in the preparation and cooking of dishes during peak hours. Step in to fill any role in the kitchen as needed.
• Customer Interaction: Occasionally interact with customers to gather feedback and ensure satisfaction. Address any complaints or issues promptly and professionally.
• Administrative Duties: Assist with scheduling, payroll, and other administrative tasks as needed. Maintain accurate records of inventory, orders, and staff performance.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory role.
• Education: Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Skills: Strong culinary skills, including knowledge of various cooking techniques and cuisines. Excellent leadership and communication skills. Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Certifications: Food Handler's Certification or equivalent required. Additional certifications in food safety and sanitation are a plus.
• Personal Attributes: Passion for cooking and creativity in the kitchen. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a high-volume restaurant
• Experience with menu development and recipe creation
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
  
  

Skills

• Utilize culinary skills and knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines to prepare and cook high-quality dishes
• Ensure timely and efficient preparation of meals while working in a fast-paced environment
• Communicate effectively and work as a team to achieve kitchen goals
• Multitask and prioritize tasks effectively to deliver an exceptional dining experience for guests
  
  

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
• Work safely to ensure company equipment is secure.
• Complete required training programs.
• Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work as needed.
  
  

PHYSICAL

Requirements

• Standing and Walking : Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, typically 8-10 hours per shift.
• Lifting and Carrying : Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, including pots, pans, and boxes of supplies.
• Bending and Stooping : Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching to access ingredients, equipment, and storage areas.
• Manual Dexterity : Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for chopping, slicing, and other food preparation tasks.
• Heat Tolerance : Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment, often near ovens, stoves, and other heat sources.
• Mobility : Ability to move quickly and efficiently around the kitchen, including navigating tight spaces.
• Visual Acuity : Good vision for reading recipes, monitoring food quality, and ensuring proper presentation.
• Communication : Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members, both verbally and in writing.
• Endurance : Physical stamina to handle long shifts, often involving repetitive tasks and high-pressure situations.
  
  

UNIFORM

Employee provides business casual and on occasion business professional attire when necessary for functions; Employee provides black non-slip safety toe footwear that is sturdy, provides support for the arch of the foot with a well-defined heel.

Benefits

ABOUT OUR

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions.
• Secure Your Future: 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Recharge & Grow: Enjoy paid time off and learning programs to advance your career.
  
  

Join us and thrive in a workplace that values you!

SCHEDULE

Hospitality demands a flexible schedule that may require extended hours as the business requires coverage including seasonality– on any day at any hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

SALARY

$60,000-$65,000

JOB STATUS

Full Time

FLSA

Exempt (Salary)

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Trailborn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please inform us during your application process.

The specific statements shown in each section of this Job Description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully. The job’s responsibilities/tasks may be modified and/or expanded over time without prior notice. The Company will try to give as much notice as practical when changes are made.