Estate Sous Chef

Job Summary

Skywalker Ranch and its associated estate (PWP, LLC) are seeking a creative, experienced Private Estate Sous Chef to join the culinary team for a variety of unique events. This role requires a resourceful, flexible chef who can create intimate, family-style meals tailored to dietary preferences and restaurant-quality dishes for large groups. The Sous Chef will work collaboratively across all culinary styles, handling hands-on tasks while elevating food execution and presentation. The position offers potential opportunities to collaborate with the Summit Culinary team, as well as the Winery, olive oil, and wagyu production.

Responsibilities include:

• Establish service offerings for various events (e.g., dinner parties, daily estate deliveries), including menu creation and recipe testing.
• Create culinary offerings tailored to the family’s specific dietary requests and restrictions with attention to detail and care.
• Lead, inspire, and encourage team members while promoting sound business decision-making, honesty, and integrity. Foster mutual trust, respect, and collaboration within the team.
• Understand team roles well enough to step in as needed or find appropriate replacements. Provide training on cooking techniques and plate presentation.
• Maintain open communication with team members through an "open door" policy, solicit feedback, and address concerns to ensure a positive work environment.
• Ensure that property policies are applied fairly and consistently, creating a fair and equitable environment for all staff.
• Lead by example in providing excellent customer service, creating a positive atmosphere for guest relations, and ensuring high-quality guest experiences.
• Engage with guests and clients to gather feedback on product quality and service, making improvements as necessary.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, communicate procedure codes, and ensure that staff understands and follows safety and sanitation standards.
• Oversee menu development and food production, ensuring that both raw and cooked food products meet quality standards.
• Guide the presentation of food, including decorative displays, to ensure a visually appealing and high-quality dining experience.
• Monitor food handling practices, ensure compliance with sanitation standards, and maintain the required certifications for staff.
• Maintain standards for food purchasing, receiving, and storage to ensure quality and consistency.
• Prepare and cook a variety of foods for both regular and special events or guests.

Requirements

Required Skills / Competencies:

• In-depth knowledge of classic French, Californian, and Italian cooking techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment, maintaining a clean and professional workspace while producing beautiful, nutritious food.
• Demonstrated ability to stay composed and positive while managing pressure and adapting to change.
• Proven experience working well within a team and leading a team effectively.
• High level of flexibility with the ability to juggle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Full-time commitment, including extended hours, nights, and weekends. Part-time availability for private estate services.
• Ability to maintain a professional tone, integrity, and confidentiality at all times.
• Highly organized with excellent time management and follow-up skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong judgment in managing priorities and business decisions.
• Highly attentive to the finer details in both culinary execution and operational tasks.
• Self-starter with initiative and resourcefulness, capable of working independently.
• Willingness to assist team members and pitch in as needed to ensure operational success.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Mature, polished, and client-service-oriented, with the ability to interact discreetly with senior executives, political figures, and high-net-worth individuals.

Technical Skills:

• Scheduling/Calendaring
• MS Office Suite
• Serv Safe Manager a plus or will train

Benefits

Compensation: Full-time- 90-105K, Part-time- $35-45 an hour, benefitted position depending on hours

Health, Vision, Dental Insurance