Job Title: Executive Chef / Sous Chef
Location: Bazza – Midtown Manhattan
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $75,000 – $90,000 annually + performance bonus
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, and portfolio (if applicable) with the subject line: Executive Chef / Sous Chef Application – [Your Name].
Job Details:
Bazza is an upscale restaurant lounge opening in Midtown Manhattan that blends Caribbean rhythm with Mediterranean depth and elegance, offering bold shareable plates and elevated comfort dishes designed to complement a vibrant dining and nightlife atmosphere.
This pre-opening opportunity allows the selected Executive Chef / Sous Chef to help shape the kitchen culture, menu direction, and operational systems from the ground up.
We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile culinary leader who can oversee kitchen operations while also working hands-on alongside the team during service, ensuring consistency, quality, and creativity in every dish.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and oversee all kitchen operations, including menu development, recipe creation, and inventory management.
Collaborate with ownership to develop and refine the Bazza menu while maintaining the concept’s Caribbean and Mediterranean inspiration.
Actively work on the line as needed, including prep, cooking, and plating, effectively performing the duties of a sous chef.
Manage, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high standards of performance, safety, and professionalism.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
Collaborate with management on budgeting, cost control, and purchasing to optimize kitchen efficiency and profitability.
Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture that encourages creativity and teamwork.
Monitor food quality and presentation to ensure consistency across all service periods
Qualifications:
Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse team.
Exceptional culinary skills and knowledge of current food trends and techniques.
Solid understanding of budgeting, food costing, and inventory management.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Experience working in restaurants or lounge environments with evening or late-night service is preferred.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
What We Offer:
Competitive salary with potential bonuses based on performance.
Opportunity to shape, and lead the culinary vision of a growing new restaurant lounge.
Collaborative work environment with a passionate team.
About Us:
Bazza is a lounge experience that blends Caribbean rhythm with Mediterranean depth and elegance. We exist to honor heritage through hospitality — celebrating family, music, food, and refined gathering in a way that is both elevated and deeply personal. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Bazza is an upscale restaurant lounge designed for both dining and nightlife. The menu will feature bold Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors with a focus on shareable plates, modern street-food inspirations, and elevated comfort dishes designed to complement a vibrant lounge atmosphere.
This is a pre-opening opportunity, giving the selected chef the ability to help shape the kitchen culture, menu direction, and operational systems from the ground up
Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and versatile Executive Chef / Sous Chef to lead our kitchen operations while also rolling up their sleeves and working alongside the team during service. This unique role requires a culinary leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution, ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation in every dish.
The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader who enjoys both strategic oversight and being present on the line during service.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.