Executive Sous Chef - New Restaurant Opening Prato Bethesda Bethesda, MD Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $90,000 a year 20 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Food provided Qualifications Kitchen health and safety standards Assisting with meal planning Teamwork Food preparation for special diets Food service health code compliance Budget control Fine dining experience Menu concept development Managing catering events Performance management Team development Culinary Arts Kitchen cost control Food safety sanitizing procedures Inventory tracking for food cost management Hospitality industry experience Leading team collaboration initiatives Materials management in food and beverage Managing kitchen staff Accommodating special dietary needs Restaurant cost management Meal planning Delegation Team motivation (leadership skill) Team building Full Job Description Job Summary Join us as an Executive Sous Chef for an exciting new restaurant opening, where your culinary expertise and leadership will set the stage for a memorable dining experience. In this pivotal role, you will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, safety standards, and team performance. Your energetic approach and passion for fine dining will inspire your team to deliver outstanding service and innovative cuisine from day one. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a vibrant culinary environment and lead a talented team in a dynamic hospitality setting. Duties Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, and presentation to meet high standards of quality and consistency Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, fostering teamwork, motivation, and professional growth while ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitizing procedures Oversee inventory management, including ordering, stock control, and minimizing waste to optimize food costs and maintain budget targets Assist with menu planning and development, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary trends to excite our guests Coordinate with catering and banquet teams to ensure seamless execution of large-scale events while maintaining exceptional service standards Enforce strict compliance with health regulations, safety protocols, and sanitation practices across all kitchen areas Manage shift schedules, delegate tasks efficiently, and monitor performance to ensure smooth operations during busy service hours Requirements Proven experience in fine dining establishments with strong background in food production, food handling, and culinary techniques Supervising experience in a high-volume restaurant or banquet setting with demonstrated leadership skills in managing diverse teams Extensive knowledge of food safety sanitizing procedures, inventory control, cost management, and kitchen management systems Experience in menu planning, catering services, and managing large-scale food service operations Strong understanding of dietary requirements and ability to adapt menus accordingly Excellent communication skills with the ability to motivate staff and foster a positive team environment Culinary certifications or relevant training in hospitality or food industry standards preferred About Us Park Lights Hospitality is expanding after calling Winter Park, Florida home for two decades. It started with Luma on Park, the restaurant that redefined dining on Park Avenue, and in 2011 we opened Prato just down the street—a wood-fired, modern-Italian kitchen built around simple ingredients, house-made pastas, and a room that hums seven nights a week. Next came Luke's opening in 2017. Now we're taking the show on the road. This fall, Prato opens its first location outside Florida at Bethesda Row in downtown Bethesda, Maryland, with Nashville following in early 2027 and more major markets in the works. Each new Prato brings the signature Winter Park feel—exposed brick, warm wood, and that perfectly dialed-in lighting—to a brand-new neighborhood, along with the energy and hospitality that made the original a legend. This is the start of a national brand, and we're building the team that will carry it there. If you love great food, big rooms, and the chance to grow with a company that's just getting started, we'd love to meet you. Embark on this exciting journey with us as we launch a new culinary destination! We are committed to supporting your growth as a leader in the hospitality industry while delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests. All positions are paid roles that value your expertise and dedication.

Pay:

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Food provided Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person