What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager – True 40-Hour Leadership Role position at The Thompsons Kitchen?
$50,000–$55,000 (DOE) 120 Hours PTO
Fairview, TN | Evenings & Weekends
The Thompson's Kitchen is an independent, chef-owned restaurant where thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and a healthy team culture matter. We're looking for a Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager who wants more than just another kitchen job—we're looking for someone who wants to help build something worth being proud of.
This is a structured, true 40-hour leadership role. We track management hours carefully and design schedules intentionally. When service runs long, we adjust. We believe sustainable leadership creates better food, stronger teams, and long-term excellence—and we expect focus, ownership, and high standards within those 40 hours.
We know the restaurant industry often promises work-life balance without delivering it. We intentionally schedule and track hours because we believe great leadership comes from people who have a life outside the kitchen.
This is a chef-driven, community-centered kitchen where creativity, accountability, and culture matter equally. We're not looking for someone to simply run service—we're looking for someone who takes ownership, brings thoughtful ideas, and executes them with consistency.
What This Role Includes
- Running service and daily BOH operations
- Opening and closing the kitchen
- Contributing original specials and seasonal menu ideas
- Collaborating on menu development
- Training and mentoring BOH team members
- Maintaining quality, food safety, and kitchen flow
- Helping refine systems as we grow
Creativity is welcomed here—grounded in execution and consistency.
Who Thrives Here
- Leads calmly and clearly
- Takes pride in thoughtful, well-executed food
- Communicates directly and respectfully
- Values team culture as much as technique
- Wants meaningful responsibility in a smaller, focused kitchen
This could be the right next step for someone growing into leadership—or a strong fit for an experienced chef looking for a more intentional, sustainable environment.
We're not building a restaurant empire. We're building something sustainable and excellent.
Schedule
- Tuesday–Saturday plus Sunday Brunch
- 40 hours per week
- Evenings and weekends required
Compensation & Benefits
- $50,000–$55,000 annually (DOE)
- 120 hours of PTO annually (including scheduled restaurant closures, holidays, and personal time)
- Staff meals
- Consistent scheduling
- Independent, chef-owned restaurant
- Real creative input and leadership ownership
How to Apply
Apply through Indeed with your resume and a brief note about your culinary perspective and why this role feels like a good fit.
Applications without a resume will not be considered.
We're excited to meet someone who's looking for a long-term home, not just their next job.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $55,000