Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

NOW HIRING: SOUS CHEF

Benji’s — West Hollywood, CA

Benji’s is an exciting new all-day café and restaurant concept opening in September 2026. Located in the heart of West Hollywood’s vibrant dining and hospitality scene, Benji’s is surrounded by some of Los Angeles’ most exciting restaurants, cafés, and creative businesses.

Designed to be a daily destination from morning coffee through dinner, Benji’s combines exceptional coffee, elevated California-inspired cuisine, art, music, and community in a beautifully designed space. We’re looking for a passionate, hands-on, and motivated Sous Chef to join our opening team and play an important role in building our kitchen from the ground up.

About the Concept

Benji’s is designed to evolve throughout the day—from breakfast and specialty coffee to lunch, afternoon gatherings, and evening food and drinks. Our menu centers around refined Los Angeles-inspired classics, locally sourced ingredients, and fresh, thoughtfully composed dishes.

We’re creating a kitchen that values quality, organization, creativity, teamwork, and hospitality. The ideal Sous Chef is someone who takes pride in the details, leads by example, and genuinely enjoys being part of a collaborative team.

Position Details

Position: Sous Chef
Location: West Hollywood, CA
Opening: September 2026
Schedule: Full-time, including weekends and holidays as needed
Compensation: DOE

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for a talented kitchen leader who is equally comfortable cooking on the line, organizing a prep list, training a cook, and helping lead a busy service.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 2–4+ years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in quality-driven restaurants
• Previous Sous Chef, Lead Line Cook, Chef de Partie, or equivalent leadership experience
• Strong understanding of professional kitchen operations
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Strong knife skills and solid foundational cooking techniques
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to consistency
• Ability to lead and motivate a team with professionalism and a positive attitude
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience with prep planning, station organization, and service execution
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures
• Ability to maintain composure and make good decisions under pressure
• A genuine passion for food, hospitality, and working with people
• A team-first mentality and willingness to jump in wherever needed

Experience with restaurant openings is a plus, but we are also interested in ambitious chefs who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Role Overview

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Culinary Manager to execute Benji’s culinary vision and help establish the systems, standards, and culture of the kitchen.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will be expected to lead by example, maintain high standards, and actively participate in both preparation and service.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Culinary Manager in all day-to-day kitchen operations
• Leading kitchen shifts and overseeing service when assigned
• Ensuring recipes, preparation, plating, and presentation are executed consistently
• Managing prep lists and ensuring all stations are properly stocked and organized
• Working the line and actively cooking during service
• Training, coaching, and developing cooks and kitchen staff
• Helping establish and maintain kitchen systems and standards
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen throughout the day
• Monitoring food quality, portioning, and presentation
• Assisting with inventory, receiving, storage, and proper product rotation
• Helping minimize waste and maintain food-cost awareness
• Following and enforcing food safety and sanitation standards
• Communicating effectively with the Culinary Manager and front-of-house leadership
• Helping create a positive, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture
• Stepping into any station or role necessary to support the team and the guest experience

Why Benji’s?

Joining Benji’s at this stage means being part of something from the very beginning. As a new restaurant, there is an opportunity to help shape not only the food and service, but also the systems, standards, and culture that will define our kitchen.

We’re looking for people who want to grow with the restaurant and take ownership of what they do. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Culinary Manager and have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibility as the team and business grow.

This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be in the kitchen, lead by example, develop their skills, and be part of building a strong team. We believe in creating an environment where talented people are supported, challenged, and given opportunities to grow.

If you’re passionate about cooking, take pride in your work, and want to help build something from the ground up, we’d love to meet you.

Kitchen Setup

• Ventless Rational ovens
• Induction cooking
• Hot plates
• No open flame or gas

More details regarding benefits, compensation, scheduling, and long-term growth opportunities will be discussed during the interview process.

If you’re an ambitious chef who wants to be part of building something special from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us at Benji’s and help us create a kitchen built around great food, great hospitality, and an even better team.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person