Sous Chef Job Description Template

Chef preparing an order for a customer.

A skilled sous chef acts as the head chef’s trusted lieutenant, ensuring meals are properly prepared and ready for guests. As with a head chef job description, a well-written sous chef job description should outline the responsibilities and skills relevant to the role and sell applicants on the restaurant and opportunity.

You’re busy running a restaurant. You can save time on the hiring process by customizing this job description template to meet your hiring needs. For more inspiration, it’s helpful to review other sous chef job postings on Monster.

This template was written by Monster’s team of experts based on job description best practices. 

Chef preparing an order for a customer.

Sous Chef Job Description

[Intro Paragraph] Kick off your job description with a short summary of the role and the main responsibilities. This will help potential candidates decide if they want to keep reading.

About Our Workplace: Use this section of your sous chef job description to share what makes your restaurant stand out. Start with a short description of your restaurant and the restaurant culture. Next, you could share press mentions, rave reviews, and any awards your restaurant has won.

Sous Chef Job Responsibilities: Write a detailed list of the job responsibilities so potential candidates can determine whether they are excited about the day-to-day work and have the necessary skills and experience. Sous chef responsibilities differ widely from restaurant to restaurant, so be sure to customize your list so candidates understand what they’d be responsible for if they join your kitchen staff. Here are some examples you could include:

  • Collaborates with the head chef to direct food preparation.
  • Helps design the food and drink menu.
  • Produces high-quality plates, considering both design and taste.
  • Oversees and supervises the kitchen staff.
  • Assists with menu planning, inventory, and supply management.
  • Keeps stations clean and complies with food safety standards.
  • Monitors and maintains kitchen equipment.
  • Offers suggestions and creative ideas that can improve upon the kitchen’s performance.

Work Hours and Benefits: Sous chefs often need to work early or late hours, weekends, and holidays. Share the schedule your sous chef would need to work so potential candidates can determine whether they want to apply. After specifying the time commitment, highlight how their hard work will be rewarded. Mention any benefits you offer like health insurance, paid time off, and paid parental leave. You can also use this section of your sous chef job description to share the intended salary range.

Sous Chef Skills and Qualifications: Use these sections of your sous chef job description to mention the skills and experience that will make someone an ideal candidate. Some candidates will only apply to a job if they meet all of the job qualifications. You’re likely to have more candidates if you specify what is preferred versus required. Here are some examples you could include:

  • Cooking skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Time-management skills
  • Problem-solving skills

Education and Experience Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent is required
  • Formal culinary training is preferred
  • Must have at least [x] years of kitchen experience

Call To Action: End your sous chef job description with a call to action. For example, you could provide instructions for applying on the job board and say that you look forward to reviewing their application.

Attract Great Sous Chefs With the Right Ad Placement

A targeted, well-written sous chef job description deserves to be seen, and Monster’s global reach can help you attract the most qualified candidates. Create your job posting today.