What does sous chef mean?
A sous chef is the deputy to the head chef. The French *sous* means "under", so the title means "under the chef". It is pronounced "soo chef". In the classic kitchen brigade, the sous chef is second in command.
What does a sous chef do?
- Runs service: calls orders at peak and keeps timing between stations.
- Checks the standard: inspects portion, temperature and presentation before a plate leaves.
- Manages the team: shift plans, station assignments and training new starters often fall here.
- Follows purchasing and stock: supports the chef with orders, counts and yield control.
- Stands in for the chef: on shifts without the chef, the sous chef has sole responsibility for the kitchen.
- Enforces hygiene: follows temperature records and the cleaning plan.
Sous chef vs head chef and chef de partie
| Point | Executive / head chef | Sous chef | Chef de partie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main responsibility | Menu, cost, team | Daily execution and service | One station |
| Where the time goes | Between management and kitchen | Kitchen, service line | Own station |
| Reports to | Owner or management | Head chef | Sous chef |
| Manages | Whole kitchen | All stations | Own commis |
What skills make a good sous chef?
Technical ability is the entry ticket; management makes the difference:
- 1Able to work every station: you need to step in wherever someone is missing.
- 2Reads the numbers: understands basic food cost and prime cost.
- 3Stays calm in service: the kitchen's pace is set by timing, not volume.
- 4Able to teach: can get a commis to do a job correctly the second time.
- 5Food safety discipline: takes temperature limits and HACCP records seriously.
How do you develop a sous chef?
A common mistake is promoting the best cook without teaching management. Hand over responsibility in stages: first a single service, then the shift plan, then the cost report. A detailed framework is in training a sous chef and handover planning. For teams that want to structure this transition, we offer kitchen team training.
For what this level earns, see our chef salary data.
