Sous Chef

Description

We are seeking a Sous Chef to join our team, leading one of America’s most authentic and experiential Spanish restaurants for over 13 years. Aventura is a deeply social experience intended for sharing in the joys of food, drink, conversation and laughter. Aventura serves modern tapas, authentic Spanish paella, and overflowing hospitality in the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor.

In this role, the Sous Chef will support the Executive Chef in executing Aventura’s culinary vision through disciplined leadership, operational excellence, and consistent food quality. This role oversees daily kitchen operations, ensures systems and standards are followed, and actively develops the kitchen team through training, coaching, and example.  The Sous Chef helps create a culture of professionalism, accountability, and collaboration while ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and delivers an exceptional guest experience every service.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead by example and actively support our line cook and prep cook teams.
• Uphold high standards of professionalism, preparation, presentation, and execution.
• Ensure recipes, production methods, and plating standards are clearly communicated and consistently followed.
• Conduct detailed line checks before each service to confirm quality, organization, and readiness.
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen employees through consistent feedback and hands-on leadership.
• Support hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management for the back-of-house team.
• Help create efficient schedules and services while managing food and labor costs responsibly.
• Collaborate with the Chef team on specials, menu changes, and the rollout of fresh, relevant dishes.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, and shared commitment to excellence.
• Respond calmly and effectively to the demands of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
• Hold yourself and the team accountable without compromising our standards.

Why Work with Us?

• Paid Time Off (80 hours per year) to recharge and enjoy time away from work.
• Paid Sick Time (about 72 hours per year) through ESTA.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through BCN to keep you and your family healthy.
• Company Sponsored Short Term Disability to take care of yourself if needed
• Life Insurance for peace of mind.
• 401k with Employer Match to plan for your future.
• Company Sponsored Parking Pass 

Requirements

Who you are:

• 1+ years of kitchen management or sous chef leadership experience in a high-volume or chef-driven restaurant environment.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with experience managing systems, prep flow, scheduling, and operational follow-through
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with both back of house and front of house leadership teams
• Operates with professionalism, urgency, accountability, and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a full shift.
• Lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen motions such as chopping, slicing, stirring, and plating.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, fryers, knives, and food-preparation equipment.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-temperature kitchen environment with evening, weekend, and holiday availability as required by restaurant operations.