Sous Chef (Santa Cruz, CA)

Sous Chef (Santa Cruz, CA) Job Type: Full-time About Us: L.A Times Best 101 Restaurants in California 2025. Hanloh is a Thai restaurant known for its modern approach to traditional Thai cooking. Our restaurant is inside a bookstore in Downtown Santa Cruz! We take pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience through the combination of culinary innovation, high-quality ingredients, and outstanding service. Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will be a creative and passionate individual with a strong culinary background, leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and presentation. Responsibilities: +Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring efficiency and adherence to established culinary standards. +Lead and inspire the kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment. +Develop, plan, and execute creative and innovative menu items that align with our restaurant's concept and vision. +Manage food costs and inventory, working to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste. +Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. +Train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff, providing guidance for skill development and performance improvement. +Stay current with industry trends, continually refining and enhancing our menu offerings. +Collaborate with the Executive Chef and other team members to contribute to the overall success and growth of the restaurant. +Collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients and establish strong relationships with local producers. Requirements: +Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar leadership role +Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience. +Understanding of health and safety regulations. +Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and current industry trends. +Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities without compromising quality. +Knowledge of food cost control, budgeting, and inventory management. +Creative mindset with a passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience. +ServSafe Manager Perks: Option for four days work week Sick Pay PTO Staff Meal Discounts How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter to info@hanloh.com. Hanloh is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.