Fred's West 4th | Sous Chef

Location: Fred’s West 4th, Vancouver, BC
Position: Sous Chef
Reports To: Head Chef / General Manager

About Fred’s

Fred’s is a neighbourhood restaurant focused on great food, genuine hospitality, and creating a space that feels welcoming and approachable. Our menu is rooted in modern Italian cooking, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, consistency, and food that people genuinely want to come back for.

We’re looking for a Sous Chef to join our West 4th kitchen team. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys being in the kitchen, developing a strong team, and maintaining high standards while keeping service organized and positive.

The Role

The Sous Chef works closely with the Head Chef to oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen. You’ll help lead service, support and develop the BOH team, maintain consistency across the menu, and ensure the kitchen is organized, clean, efficient, and ready for service.

This role requires someone who can lead from the line, communicate clearly, stay calm during busy services, and hold the team accountable while still creating a positive kitchen environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support the Head Chef with the daily operation of the kitchen.

• Lead the BOH team during prep and service, including running the kitchen when the Head Chef is away.

• Work actively on the line and step into stations wherever support is needed.

• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented consistently according to Fred’s recipes and standards.

• Maintain strong food quality, portion control, and plating standards.

• Train, coach, and support cooks and other BOH team members.

• Help create a kitchen culture built around communication, accountability, teamwork, and respect.

• Complete daily prep planning and ensure the kitchen is properly set up for service.

• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, and maintaining appropriate product levels.

• Monitor food waste and help identify opportunities to improve food cost and kitchen efficiency.

• Ensure recipes, yields, and portioning are being followed consistently.

• Maintain strong food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

• Ensure proper product rotation, storage, labelling, and FIFO procedures are followed.

• Communicate effectively with the FOH leadership team to support smooth service and resolve issues quickly.

• Assist with menu changes, specials, events, and new dish rollouts.

• Support scheduling, training, performance management, and ongoing development of the BOH team.

• Help maintain kitchen equipment and communicate repair or maintenance needs promptly.

• Set the tone during service by staying organized, communicating clearly, and leading by example.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or experienced Chef de Partie ready to take the next step.

• Strong line cooking and service leadership experience.

• Comfortable working in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant.

• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, prep, and kitchen organization.

• Experience with inventory, ordering, food cost, and waste management is an asset.

• A strong communicator who can give clear direction and constructive feedback.

• Someone who takes ownership and notices what needs to be done without always needing to be asked.

• Reliable, organized, and able to stay calm under pressure.

• A team-first attitude with a genuine interest in developing others.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Sous Chef at Fred’s helps create a kitchen that is consistent, organized, and enjoyable to work in. The team knows what is expected of them, prep is completed properly, service runs smoothly, food leaves the kitchen consistently, and problems are addressed before they become bigger issues.

You’ll be someone the Head Chef can rely on to take ownership of the kitchen, support the team, and help Fred’s continue to deliver a great experience every service.