Sous Chef

Element by Westin Melbourne Oceanfront
Melbourne, FL

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s company culture empowers our associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to the success of their property with well-defined strategies and objectives. Driftwood Hospitality Management is renowned for our fully integrated approach to hospitality services — all with outstanding client service. Our team is made up of the best talent in the hospitality industry, down to every employee, position, and hotel.

JOB SUMMARY

Direct and supervise the efficient operation of food production areas. In conjunction with Executive Chef is responsible for supervising and assisting in the preparation of all food items, based on standardized recipes while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. Also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen, work and storage areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This description is a summary of primary responsibilities and qualifications.  The job description is not intended to include all duties or qualifications that may be required now or in the future.  The Hotel operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so operational demands require variations in shift days, starting times, and hours worked in a week.

  • Be incredibly friendly, customer centric, love to smile and have FUN in a team environment.
  • Expedite peak meal periods by maintaining a "hands on" approach.
  • Monitors food outlets, buffets, stations and food displays for creativity, quality, cleanliness and food safety.
  • Assures timely set up, schedules well trained cooks in all areas in proper uniform.
  • Assists the Outlet-Restaurant Manager and the Banquet Manager in their daily and weekly duties as needed.
  • Assists the food and beverage services for conventions and group activities at the hotel and coordinates with other hotel-level departments to facilitate services agreed upon by the sales office and prospective clients.
  • Works frequently with subordinates in the Food and Beverage Department to ensure all aspects of business are running smoothly and on schedules to improve existing practices and services both in the front of the house and the back of the house.
  • Assist in the achievement of departmental objectives and goals.
  • Works within monthly set food cost budget, adjust food requisitions and controls waste.
  • Oversee the menu creation of our staff restaurant to ensure the highest quality of product for our internal customers;
  • Promote teamwork within the Kitchen department and maintain strong working relationships with all supporting departments;
  • Participate in media and community opportunities to showcase food and beverage products and promote the hotel.
  • Ensure all municipal and state laws regarding hygiene and security are respected, as well as ensuring that colleagues adhere to all health and safety requirements;
  • Personally respond to food-related feedback and ensure proper processes and reports are produced
  • Ensure that all kitchen equipment is in good working order and is properly maintained;
  • Actively participates in the hotel's Department Head and Food & Beverage meetings, holds regular departmental communication meetings and supports participation of colleagues in the various hotel committees

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

    • Have three or more years of progressive experience in Hotel Food & Beverage experience or other successful F&B service industry; or a Culinary Degree with 2 or more years of progressive experience in Hotel Food & Beverage experience or other successful F&B service industry. Creates and plans all meals and menus for the restaurant/s, outlet/s and catered events.
    • Experienced in high volume catering with hotel top brands and fine dining  
    • Proven leadership and managerial skills supporting an environment of colleague growth and development, interdepartmental teamwork and exceptional customer service;
    • Current on all culinary trends and active in the furthering of his/her own culinary development
    • Extremely creative with strong service skills and demonstrated ability to energize a diverse team of culinary professionals;
    • Computer literate;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to stand, walk and/or sit and continuously perform essential job functions for an eight-plus hour shift.
  • Frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching, standing, walking,
  • Frequent talking, hearing, seeing and smiling.

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Room Discounts
  • Employee Food and Beverage Discounts

EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Element by Westin Melbourne Oceanfront

Hotel with 130 Rooms

Inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts, the Element Melbourne Oceanfront believes in providing travelers, whether on the road for work or leisure, not just a great place to stay, but a place to stay connected, feel alive, balanced and maintain their rituals and lifestyles. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel offers seamless and intuitive wellness, built from the start. Outdoor inspired vibrant living and smart fresh thinking starts on the 2nd floor roof top deck. Our views of the ocean are unrivaled by anywhere else on the Space Coast. The saline pool deck has the space and seating to feel the warm sun on your face and breeze in your hair. On that same roof top deck is Ebb & Flow, the first elevated social venue on the Space Coast for all visitors who want that breezy rooftop vibe. We are sunny, breezy and bubbly, taking the term hospitable up a notch while maintain a cheery disposition. In order for our guests to feel good in their pursuit of wellness, we send nothing but good energy your way.