Chef De Cuisine (Executive Sous Chef) - Orange Hill, Orange, CA

The Opportunity

This is not simply a back-of-house management role - this is a premier culinary leadership position at one of Orange County's most visible restaurants.

As Chef de Cuisine, you will:

• Lead a large, high-performing culinary brigade in a high-volume, upscale dining environment
• Drive consistency and excellence across premium steaks, chops, seafood, and seasonal features
• Inspire innovation while protecting the integrity of a proven, high-performing concept
• Set the tone for kitchen culture - disciplined, collaborative, accountable, and proud
• Partner closely with the Executive Chef and senior leadership to execute strategic culinary initiatives

You will be hands-on, present on the line, and relentlessly focused on execution. Every plate that leaves the pass represents our brand - and your leadership.

What You'll Own

• Daily kitchen operations and service execution at the highest level
• Culinary training, mentorship, and development of sous chefs and line cooks
• Labor management and food cost performance in a high-volume setting
• Menu implementation and seasonal rollouts
• Inventory management, purchasing, and vendor partnerships
• Health, safety, and sanitation excellence
• Seamless collaboration with front-of-house leadership to deliver a refined, high-touch guest experience

Who You Are

• 4+ years as a Chef de Cuisine or Executive Sous Chef in a $10MM+ upscale restaurant
• A proven leader of large teams in high-expectation environments
• Financially savvy - you understand margins, labor models, and cost controls
• Passionate about premium ingredients, technique, and presentation
• Calm under pressure and energized by volume
• A culture-builder who develops people while holding high standards

A culinary degree is preferred, though demonstrated excellence and progressive growth matter most.

Why Orange Hill

• Competitive base salary: $110,000–$120,000 + bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits package
• The opportunity to lead at one of Southern California's most recognized independent restaurants
• Visibility within Specialty Restaurants Corporation, a respected, privately held restaurant group with iconic properties
• Real opportunity for career progression within a growing organization

If you are ready to lead a kitchen where performance meets precision, where volume meets refinement, and where every night matters - we would love to meet you.

Orange Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing pre-employment background check