Job Information
Hyatt Culinary | Sous Chef - Arriba Abajo in AUSTIN, Texas
Description:
The Role
At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences.
Arriba Abajo is a Cantina-themed Bar and Restaurant, inside the Thompson and Tommie Austin, two premier lifestyle hotels in Downtown Austin – This new concept will open in early Spring to include 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and lounge space, multiple venue’s for private events and the pool deck servicing hotel guests and Residents.
This position is designed as a stepping stone toward a Chef de Cuisine role within 1–2 years for the right individual. This leader is hands-on, service-focused, and responsible for driving daily culinary operations, supporting financial performance, and developing a strong, engaged kitchen team within a branded restaurant environment inside a lifestyle hotel.
Key Responsibilities:
Service Leadership & Operations
Lead breakfast, lunch, and select dinner services with a hands-on presence on the line
Expedite during peak service periods and ensure smooth execution
Supervise preparation and cooking of food items, ensuring quality, consistency, and timing
Maintain strong BOH/FOH communication and cross-department collaboration
Support senior culinary leadership by assuming day-to-day management responsibilities
Act as liaison between culinary and other hotel departments
Plan, coordinate, and execute special events and holiday functions
Develop and implement creative menu items aligned with Hyatt and brand standards
Operational Ownership
Own ordering, inventory, and vendor communication
Manage weekly scheduling and labor alignment
Conduct monthly inventory and monitor food cost
Build and maintain pars, prep lists, and structured line check systems
Monitor daily food production, ordering, and quality standards
Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen facilities and equipment
Financial Accountability
Assist in managing food cost and reducing waste
Align staffing levels to forecasted volume and labor targets
Maintain awareness of budget goals and operational efficiencies
Ensure proper use of Hyatt purchasing systems
Team Leadership & Culture
Train, mentor, and coach culinary team members
Manage hourly kitchen employees including scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating, and hiring
May supervise culinary supervisors and other junior Sous Chefs
Participate in hiring and onboarding efforts
Lead the team toward exceptional guest service and colleague satisfaction results
Build a culture of urgency, accountability, pride, and professionalism
Model Hyatt values and brand standards while fostering team growth and retention
Who You Are
A hands-on leader who prefers being in service, not behind a desk
Confident expediting and running busy brunch services
Organized and systems-minded (pars, prep lists, line checks, station readiness)
Calm under pressure with strong communication skills
Financially aware and operationally accountable
Motivated to grow into a Chef de Cuisine role
Energized by a branded restaurant environment within a lifestyle hotel
The Hotels
When you stay at a Thompson Hotel, you are welcome as a resident. With intuitive service, each guest is provided a tailored experience, enhancing their personal travel journey and bridging connections to the local perspective. Thompson's unique hotels are timeless destinations, creating distinctive experiences that transform your day, your trip, or even your life. Thompson Austin offers 212 luxury guestrooms and Suites plus 17 residences along with a 10,000 square foot wellness center, 3 restaurant bar concepts, an expansive pool deck, and private cabanas, and over 10,000 square feet of flexible and traditional event space.
The 193-king room tommie Austin is built for the spirited adventurer. Guest will be encouraged to explore Austin’s unparalleled offerings and in every square foot, tommie is an opportunity to meet and be inspired. Where art and atmosphere seep in from the surrounding neighborhood, and collaborations seep back out. tommie will feature a bespoke coffee and wine shop and allow guests to be the master of their own stay while still offering warm and authentic service.
Both hotels are anchored on the ground floor by our re-imagined cantina-themed restaurant, a 13,000 sq ft. indoor and outdoor oasis as well as The 5th Street Diner The Royale Room. a street-side concept serving daily fare for locals, residents, and guests alike. This mixed-use project will also feature a residential tower – Sienna – and 10,000 square feet of retail space and a 7,000 sq. ft. state of the art fitness center and simulator room, appropriately named the “T” Box.
The Benefits & Perks
We have you covered with an awesome rewards package! Health and welfare plans? We have a range of choices for you and your eligible dependents. Financial wellbeing? Got it! Opt into our 401(k) plan, College Saving Plan, or Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Oh, and we don’t want to leave out our lifestyle benefits! Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave, paid Family Bonding Time, Adoption Assistance, discounted and complimentary rooms at Hyatt locations across the globe, free colleague meals during shifts, well-being & educational assistance, and many more!
Qualifications:
1–2 years of leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant or hotel culinary environment
Experience leading breakfast and brunch service strongly preferred
In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, food production, and service execution
Proven ability to confidently expedite service in a fast-paced environment
Experience with ordering, inventory management, scheduling, and labor alignment
Foundational understanding of food cost control and basic financial management
Strong leadership, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills
Experience training, coaching, and developing culinary team members
Ability to produce a consistent, high-quality product in a timely manner
Demonstrated commitment to exceeding guest expectations in a service-driven environment
Proficient in general computer systems and kitchen-related technology
Culinary education and/or equivalent on-the-job training preferred; hotel experience a plus
Flexible schedule, including availability for mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Geographic and schedule flexibility preferred
Preferred:
Branded restaurant experience
Lifestyle hotel experience
Familiarity with Birchstreet or similar purchasing platforms
Experience in multi-outlet environments
Leadership Competencies
Drives results through operational discipline
Builds trust through consistency and accountability
Leads with professionalism and integrity
Embraces feedback and continuous improvement
Champions safety and sanitation standards
Hyatt associates work in an environment that demands exceptional performance yet reaps great rewards. Whether it’s career opportunities, job enrichment or a supportive work environment, if you are ready for this challenge, then we are ready for you.
This is not your typical career opportunity. This is the Hyatt Touch.
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Primary Location: US-TX-Austin
Organization: Thompson Austin - 5th and Brazos
Pay Basis: Yearly
Job Level: Full-time
Job: Culinary
Req ID: AUS010445
Hyatt is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other group protected by law.