Sous Chef
Company : Highgate
Location : Kahului, HI, 96733
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 22 December 2025
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Overview
The Cook is responsible for preparing all food items, based on standardized recipes, for the Restaurants, Room Service, Employee Cafeteria and Banquets, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. He/she is also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen and work areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
Qualifications
- Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
- Complete necessary food and station preparation prior to the opening of the restaurant in order to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently during the Restaurant and Room Service operating hours.
- Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards.
- Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking, etc.
- Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, and dairy and meat products.
- Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each.
- Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper handling, storage, and sanitation.
- Prepare food for Banquets, as required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders.
- Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Prepare all foods following hotel standard recipes. Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period.
- Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Use Production Charts as specified by hotel’s standards.
- Be able to work and support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help as necessary.
- Follow all Health Department and Company regulations in regard to food and storage standards and safety.
- Be able to operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain a “Clean As You Go” policy.
- Assist in storage and rotation of food items according to hotel procedures.
- Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Sous Chef
Frequently asked questions
Kahului's unique island setting often means sourcing fresh, local ingredients that shape menu creativity and affect supply chains. The kitchen pace may also vary due to tourism seasons, requiring sous chefs to adapt workflows and staff management to maintain high standards in a dynamic hospitality environment.
Many employers in Hawaii value certifications like ServSafe and culinary arts diplomas, but local knowledge of Hawaiian cuisine and sustainable sourcing practices is highly regarded. These credentials enhance credibility while aligning with regional food safety laws and cultural culinary expectations.
Strong communication and leadership skills are crucial, enabling effective team coordination and guest interaction. Additionally, multitasking under pressure, inventory management, and a sharp eye for quality and sanitation standards elevate a sous chef’s impact in busy kitchens.
Progression often leads to Executive Sous Chef or Head Chef roles, especially with demonstrated expertise in menu development and kitchen leadership. Building a diverse skill set in banquet coordination and cross-training across kitchen stations can accelerate growth opportunities.
Sous Chefs oversee food preparation quality, mentor junior cooks, manage kitchen sanitation, and ensure smooth service during peak hours. Their role blends hands-on cooking with operational oversight, demanding agility in both culinary skills and team management.
Highgate’s focus on upscale lifestyle hotel brands means Sous Chefs contribute to high-quality, innovative dining experiences. The company’s global hospitality expertise provides robust training and career development, while emphasizing efficiency and market-driven menu design.
Leveraging industry-leading revenue management tools, Highgate expects Sous Chefs to optimize food production while minimizing waste. This data-informed strategy encourages proactive kitchen management and collaboration across departments to enhance guest satisfaction.
Sous Chefs in Kahului generally earn between $18 and $25 per hour, reflecting regional cost of living and hospitality demand. Experience, culinary skills, and certifications can push compensation toward the higher end, especially within premium hotel environments.
The Sous Chef role carries greater responsibility for kitchen oversight, menu execution, and staff training. It offers a platform to refine leadership abilities and culinary creativity, whereas Junior Sous Chefs often focus more on skill-building and task execution.