Executive Sous Chef

WSA

Position : Executive Sous Chef – WSA Building (Financial District, NYC)

Compensation : $100,000 annually (Full-Time)

About WSA

The WSA Building is a flagship hospitality destination in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District — a modern environment that blends culinary innovation, design, and culture under one roof.

Home to multiple food and beverage concepts, private dining spaces, and event venues, WSA serves as a hub for connection and creativity. The property brings together elevated dining, wellness, and programming that reflect the dynamic energy of New York City and the values of the HAPPIER collective.

The Role

The Executive Sous Chef plays a key leadership role within the culinary team at WSA, working directly under the Executive Chef to oversee all kitchen operations and uphold the property’s high culinary standards.

This position requires a balance of creativity, operational precision, and people management. The Executive Sous Chef will be deeply involved in menu development, team training, scheduling, cost management, and service execution — ensuring consistency and excellence across all WSA outlets and events.

This is an ideal role for a highly motivated, hands-on leader eager to take ownership of daily operations while supporting the broader culinary and hospitality vision of WSA.

Reports To : Executive Chef (Property)

Direct Reports : Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, and BOH Staff

Key Responsibilities

Support and collaborate with the Executive Chef to manage all kitchen operations across multiple outlets and event spaces within WSA.

Lead, train, and mentor the back-of-house team, promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability, and creativity.

Oversee daily prep, service, and production to ensure quality, consistency, and timeliness of all menu items.

Participate in menu development, seasonal dish ideation, and recipe standardization in collaboration with the Executive Chef.

Manage labor scheduling, food costing, and inventory controls to meet financial and operational targets.

Maintain and enforce all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene protocols in compliance with NYC Department of Health standards.

Conduct daily walkthroughs of kitchen and storage areas to ensure cleanliness, readiness, and proper maintenance of all equipment.

Act as a liaison between BOH and FOH management to ensure seamless communication during service.

Oversee the training of new culinary staff and continued professional development of existing team members.

Lead by example during service — expediting, cooking, and stepping into any role as needed.

Support private event planning and execution in coordination with the Events and Operations teams.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role (Sous Chef or higher) in fine dining, boutique hotel, or luxury hospitality environments.

Strong technical and organizational kitchen skills with proven ability to lead a high-performing team.

Advanced understanding of cost control, purchasing, and labor management.

Strong grasp of flavor profiles, modern cooking techniques, and menu development.

NYC restaurant experience strongly preferred.

Current Food Handler’s Certification required.

Excellent communication, time management, and leadership abilities.

Additional Skills

Inspiring leader with the ability to motivate, train, and develop staff at all levels.

Strong eye for detail, plating, and culinary aesthetics.

Flexible, positive, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Ability to manage multiple service periods and projects simultaneously.

Open, collaborative communicator who thrives in cross-departmental teamwork.

Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the business.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods (8+ hours).

Comfortable working in varied kitchen conditions (heat, cold, humidity).

Ability to bend, kneel, and move efficiently throughout kitchen and event spaces.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Holidays)

Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Professional Training and Development Opportunities

Team Member Referral Program ($250 after 90 days)