Sous Chef

Emish Restaurant is a Ukrainian and European restaurant located in Federal Way, WA. We are looking for an experienced and reliable Sous Chef to support our Head Chef, lead kitchen operations during service, and help maintain high standards of authentic Ukrainian and European cuisine.

The ideal candidate is an experienced culinary professional with strong cooking skills, leadership experience, excellent knowledge of Ukrainian and European cuisine, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced professional kitchen.

What You'll Do

• Support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff during assigned shifts
• Prepare and oversee authentic Ukrainian and European dishes
• Ensure recipes, preparation methods, and portion sizes are followed consistently
• Monitor food preparation, cooking, plating, and service
• Assign tasks to kitchen staff and help maintain an efficient workflow
• Train, coach, and support cooks and other kitchen team members
• Step in to manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence
• Maintain consistent food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control
• Help ensure food is prepared and served according to restaurant standards
• Monitor food inventory and product rotation
• Assist with ordering, receiving, and proper storage of food products
• Help control food waste and maintain food cost standards
• Ensure proper food labeling, storage, and handling
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Communicate kitchen needs and operational issues to the Head Chef and restaurant management
• Help coordinate kitchen operations with front-of-house staff during service
• Lead by example and maintain a professional, respectful, and productive kitchen environment

Work Schedule: Full-time; schedule will be discussed during the interview. Weekend and holiday availability is required.

PayCompensation: $25+/h (Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications).

Benefits:
We offer competitive employee benefits including paid sick leave (1 hour per 40 hours worked), partial employer-covered medical insurance (75% for full-time employees), and paid vacation: 1 week after 1 year of employment and 2 weeks after 2 years.

Required Qualifications

• Significant professional experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, or similar kitchen leadership position
• Strong professional knowledge of Ukrainian cuisine
• Strong professional knowledge of European cuisine
• Proven ability to lead and supervise a kitchen team
• Strong professional cooking and food preparation skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced restaurant kitchen
• Knowledge of recipes, food preparation methods, portion control, and presentation
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards
• Ability to train and support kitchen staff
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain consistent food quality during busy service
• Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions during service
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Ability to work weekends and holidays

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Ukrainian, Eastern European, or European restaurants
• Experience working as a Sous Chef or Kitchen Supervisor
• Experience with inventory management, food ordering, and product rotation
• Experience with food costing and waste control
• Experience training and developing kitchen staff
• Experience with Ukrainian and European menu preparation
• Washington State Food Worker Card or ability to obtain one