Mezcali is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to join our leadership team at our high-volume, full-service restaurant located in the Financial District of New York City.
Founded by two lifelong friends with a combined 40 years of hospitality experience, Mezcali operates a 4,700 sq. ft., two-floor restaurant featuring 145 seats, two full bars, a private dining room, and substantial event space. We are a growing concept with future expansion plans and are looking for a chef who wants to grow with us.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a disciplined, creative, and systems-driven culinary professional.
Position Overview
The Executive Sous Chef will oversee daily back-of-house operations, support menu execution and development, lead kitchen teams, and ensure consistency, efficiency, and food quality at all times.
Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise all BOH kitchen operations in a high-volume environment
- Train, coach, and develop hourly kitchen staff and junior leadership
- Maintain consistent food quality, execution, and presentation
- Manage labor cost, food cost, inventory, ordering, and waste
- Enforce NYC DOH, sanitation, and food safety standards
- Support menu development, seasonal updates, and special events
- Collaborate with FOH and events teams to ensure seamless service
- Address performance issues professionally and constructively
- Assist with systems, SOPs, and operational scalability as the business grows
Qualifications
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in a senior kitchen leadership role (Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef preferred)
- Proven experience in high-volume, full-service restaurants
- Strong understanding of food cost, labor control, and inventory systems
- Experience leading large BOH teams with a positive, professional approach
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
- NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate required
- Event, buyout, and private dining experience a plus
Skills & Leadership Competencies
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Calm, solutions-oriented leadership under pressure
- Ability to motivate and hold teams accountable
- Detail-oriented with strong operational awareness
- Strategic thinker with hands-on execution
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $80,000–$90,000 annually (DOE)
- Performance-based bonus
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Growth opportunities
Our Culture
We believe great kitchens are built on respect, structure, accountability, and humanity.
A good sense of humor, the ability to learn from mistakes, and a collaborative mindset go a long way here. We work hard, support each other, and take pride in what we build.
— The Mezcali Team
