Sous Chef Wanted – Dear Darnell’s, Witchcliffe

Location: Witchcliffe, WA
Job Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible

About Us

Tucked away in the heart of Witchcliffe, Dear Darnell’s is a small but bustling award winning restaurant with a big reputation for quality, creativity, and warmth. Our kitchen is at the heart of everything we do — from our scratch-made seasonal menu to our woodfired oven dishes that celebrate the best local produce.

We’re passionate about honest food, great ingredients, and creating memorable dining experiences. As we head into our busy summer season, we’re looking for skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join our close-knit team.Key Responsibilities:

Position Summary:

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen and plays a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all kitchen activities. This position supports the Head Chef in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation

Assist the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking, and plating.

Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes.

Supervise and coordinate activities of kitchen staff to maintain workflow and efficiency.

Oversee portion control, waste reduction, and inventory management.

Menu Planning & Development

Contribute ideas to menu design, seasonal specials, and new dish development.

Ensure all recipes are followed accurately and that ingredients are fresh and available.

Assist in costing and budgeting for dishes to maintain profitability.

Leadership & Training

Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high performance and morale.

Maintain a positive and professional kitchen environment.

Take charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Enforce food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in compliance with local regulations.

Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and reported for repair when needed.

Monitor temperature controls and storage practices to prevent spoilage or contamination.

Administrative Duties

Assist with ordering supplies and managing inventory levels.

Help manage schedules and labor costs.

Record waste, prep lists, and production sheets accurately.

Qualifications & Skills:

Proven experience as a Sous Chef or strong experience as a Senior Line Cook.

Culinary degree or equivalent training preferred.

Excellent knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, and kitchen equipment.

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

Working Conditions:

Fast-paced kitchen environment.

Standing for extended periods.

Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required.