About this position
Executive Sous Chef — JT's Buffalo
Buffalo, NY | Full-Time | $80,000–$85,000 + Bonus
Come Cook With Us
We're a contemporary Italian restaurant in the heart of Buffalo's Elmwood Village, known for thoughtful food, quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality. As part of a family-owned restaurant group with roots dating back to 1992, we're proud of what we've built and excited about where we're going.
Our kitchen focuses on scratch cooking, Italian traditions, seasonal ingredients, and working with great local and imported products. We're looking for an Executive Sous Chef who shares those values and wants to grow with us.
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity for an experienced chef to take on a meaningful leadership role, work closely with our Executive Chef, and help shape the future of our kitchen.
You'll be involved in much more than executing a menu. We're looking for someone who enjoys developing cooks, bringing new ideas to the table, maintaining high standards, and creating an environment where the team can succeed.
You'll have a voice in menu development, ownership of daily kitchen operations, and opportunities to grow within our four-restaurant group.
We want someone who takes pride in their craft, leads by example, and understands that great food and great hospitality go hand in hand.
What You'll Be Doing
Work alongside our Executive Chef to lead daily kitchen operations and ensure consistency, quality, and execution.
Lead service, manage the pass, and keep the kitchen organized and communicating during busy shifts.
Coach, mentor, and develop our culinary team while helping create a positive and accountable kitchen culture.
Collaborate on seasonal menus, daily specials, and new dishes.
Assist with ordering, inventory, scheduling, and vendor relationships.
Help manage food costs, labor, and waste while maintaining our standards.
Take ownership of the kitchen when the Executive Chef is away.
Who We're Looking For
First and foremost, we're looking for a talented cook and a good leader.
Someone who works hard, treats people well, takes pride in the details, and genuinely enjoys being part of a team.
5+ years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in upscale or fine dining.
Previous Sous Chef or comparable kitchen leadership experience.
A strong foundation in scratch cooking, sauces, proteins, and pasta.
The ability to lead a busy service with confidence, organization, and composure.
Experience with food costs, inventory, and kitchen operations.
An appreciation for Italian cuisine and seasonal cooking.
Strong communication skills and a desire to teach and develop others.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, and some holidays.
Italian cooking experience is a plus, but we're just as interested in talented chefs from other culinary backgrounds who are excited about what we do.
What We Offer
$80,000–$85,000 annual salary, based on experience
Performance-based bonus opportunities
Paid time off
Dining discounts at all four of our restaurants
Closed major holidays
A chance to contribute creatively to a quality-driven kitchen
Opportunities for continued growth within an established, family-owned restaurant group
Interested? We'd Love to Meet You.
Whether you're an experienced Executive Sous Chef looking for a new opportunity or a strong Sous Chef ready to take the next step, we'd love to hear from you.
We're looking for someone who wants to be part of what we're building at JT's and make a lasting impact on our kitchen and team.
Apply through Culinary Agents with your resume. Candidates moving forward may be invited to meet the team and participate in a compensated working interview.
JT's Buffalo
905 Elmwood Avenue | Buffalo, NY
Location and commute
Buffalo, NY .
Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.
How to apply
Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3245405076.