Sous Chef – Full-Time, Hourly
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly (Non-Exempt)
Department: Food & Beverage / Culinary
Reports To: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef
Schedule: Full-Time, Including Evenings, Weekends, and Holidays
Compensation: Competitive Hourly Wage Based on Experience
Position Summary
Mesa Country Club is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly motivated Full-Time Hourly Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary professional who demonstrates strong cooking skills, leadership abilities, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, maintaining culinary standards, supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring the consistent preparation and presentation of high-quality food.
Our culinary operation includes à la carte dining, upscale member dining experiences, private events, banquets, golf tournaments, and club functions. The Sous Chef must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while balancing hands-on cooking responsibilities with leadership and operational duties.
This position is ideal for a culinary professional who takes pride in their craft, leads by example, and is eager to contribute to a collaborative and service-driven kitchen culture.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Operations & Food Execution
- Assist in overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient and consistent food production.
- Prepare, cook, and oversee the execution of menu items according to established recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
- Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, flavor, consistency, portion control, and presentation.
- Work hands-on across multiple kitchen stations, including sauté, grill, pantry, and banquet production.
- Supervise food preparation and service for à la carte dining, private events, banquets, and member functions.
- Assist in developing seasonal menus, daily specials, and creative culinary offerings.
- Ensure timely execution of food orders while maintaining quality during high-volume service periods.
- Monitor food preparation techniques and provide guidance to culinary team members.
- Assist with special culinary events, wine dinners, holiday celebrations, and other club functions.
- Ensure proper preparation and execution of dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special member requests.
Kitchen Leadership & Staff Development
- Provide daily direction, supervision, and support to line cooks, prep cooks, and other culinary team members.
- Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.
- Assist in training and developing culinary staff in cooking techniques, food safety, preparation standards, and kitchen procedures.
- Delegate responsibilities effectively to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
- Assist culinary leadership with staff scheduling, shift coverage, and daily work assignments.
- Monitor staff performance and provide constructive coaching and feedback.
- Promote clear communication between the culinary team, banquet operations, and front-of-house staff.
- Take responsibility for kitchen operations and service execution in the absence of senior culinary leadership.
Inventory, Purchasing & Cost Control
- Assist with ordering, receiving, inspecting, and properly storing food products and supplies.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs to culinary leadership.
- Maintain proper product rotation using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
- Assist with food cost management through proper portion control, product utilization, and waste reduction.
- Monitor food quality and freshness to ensure compliance with club standards.
- Support inventory counts, food production planning, and purchasing procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
Food Safety, Sanitation & Kitchen Maintenance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable health department regulations and food safety standards.
- Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, dating, and temperature controls.
- Monitor cleanliness and sanitation throughout the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and operated safely.
- Assist in implementing and enforcing kitchen safety procedures.
- Maintain organized, clean, and properly stocked workstations.
- Ensure all culinary staff follow established uniform, grooming, and sanitation standards.
- Report equipment issues, maintenance needs, and food safety concerns promptly.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of professional culinary experience in a restaurant, country club, resort, hotel, or similar hospitality environment.
- Previous experience in a supervisory, lead cook, or sous chef capacity.
- Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and professional kitchen operations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate culinary team members.
- Experience working multiple kitchen stations and executing high-quality food service.
- Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
- Ability to maintain composure and professionalism during high-volume service periods.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
- Ability to work independently, make sound operational decisions, and take initiative.
- Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high culinary standards.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special club events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous Sous Chef experience in a private country club, upscale restaurant, resort, or fine dining establishment.
- Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
- Experience with banquet production, large-scale events, and upscale plated dining.
- Knowledge of food cost management, inventory control, and purchasing procedures.
- Experience assisting with menu development, recipe standardization, and seasonal specials.
- Current Food Protection Manager Certification or ability to obtain certification upon hire.
- Experience working in a member-focused hospitality environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.
- Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, knives, and cooking tools.
- Ability to maintain focus and productivity during demanding service periods.
What We Offer
- Full-time, year-round employment.
- Competitive hourly compensation based on experience.
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
- A collaborative and supportive culinary leadership team.
- The opportunity to contribute to creative menus, special events, and unique dining experiences.
- A professional and established private country club environment.
- Employee benefits and privileges in accordance with club policies and eligibility requirements.
About Mesa Country Club
Mesa Country Club is a premier private country club located in Mesa, Arizona, dedicated to providing exceptional golf, dining, and social experiences for our members and their guests.
Our culinary program offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from casual member dining to refined culinary events, wine dinners, private celebrations, and large-scale club functions.
We take pride in our commitment to quality, creativity, teamwork, and genuine hospitality. Our success is built upon dedicated professionals who share a passion for excellence and a desire to create memorable experiences for our membership.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume outlining their culinary experience, leadership background, and relevant qualifications.
Join the Mesa Country Club culinary leadership team and help us continue our tradition of exceptional cuisine, hospitality, and service.
Mesa Country Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing a professional, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
Salary:
$22.0 - $25.0 / Hourly