The Library Restaurant – Sous Chef

$69,000 annually

High-Volume Upscale Steakhouse | Full-Time Leadership Position.

Great kitchens aren’t built by individuals. They’re built by teams.

At The Library Restaurant, we believe exceptional food starts with exceptional people.

Located in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, The Library is a thriving, high-volume upscale steakhouse known for outstanding food, elevated hospitality, and a commitment to excellence.

We are looking for an experienced, driven, and passionate Sous Chef who takes pride in their craft, leads by example, and understands that success in the kitchen is a team effort.

We’re not looking for someone who simply wants a title. We’re looking for a leader who wants to make an impact.

BIG-CITY CULINARY STANDARDS. COASTAL NEW ENGLAND LIFESTYLE.

Love the energy of Boston’s restaurant scene but ready for something different?

Just an hour north of Boston, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers an incredible coastal lifestyle, a thriving culinary scene, historic charm, and a vibrant downtown filled with exceptional restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Imagine building your culinary career in one of New England’s most beautiful coastal cities, where you’re minutes from the ocean, beaches, and everything the Seacoast has to offer.

At The Library Restaurant, you don’t have to sacrifice the excitement, volume, or standards of a major metropolitan steakhouse to enjoy a different pace of life.

We’re offering the opportunity to work in a successful, high-volume upscale steakhouse while enjoying everything that makes coastal New Hampshire such a special place to live and work.

The same culinary ambition. The same high expectations. A whole different lifestyle.

Come discover what Portsmouth has to offer. Your next great career move might be just an hour up the coast.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • $69,000 annual salary
  • Two weeks of paid vacation
  • Two weeks of paid sick time
  • A stable, established, and successful restaurant
  • A professional, high-volume kitchen where quality matters
  • The opportunity to work alongside an experienced culinary leadership team
  • A workplace that values hard work, accountability, mutual respect, and teamwork

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As Sous Chef, you’ll play an essential role in the daily success of our kitchen. You’ll work alongside our culinary leadership team to maintain the high standards our guests expect while helping create a kitchen culture built on teamwork, consistency, and pride.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Lead by example, setting the standard for professionalism, urgency, and execution.
  • Support daily kitchen operations in a busy, high-volume steakhouse.
  • Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, presentation, and consistency.
  • Work hands-on alongside the team during service. We believe great leaders aren’t afraid to jump on the line.
  • Help train, mentor, and develop kitchen team members.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, efficient, and safe kitchen.
  • Uphold food safety standards and proper kitchen procedures.
  • Assist with inventory management, food costs, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
  • Communicate effectively with both kitchen and front-of-house leadership.
  • Help create a positive, respectful, and accountable working environment.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We want someone who is confident in their abilities but understands that ego has no place in a successful kitchen.

Our ideal candidate:

  • Has previous experience as a Sous Chef or in a strong culinary leadership position.
  • Has experience working in a high-volume, quality-driven restaurant.
  • Is passionate about food, consistency, and attention to detail.
  • Can remain calm, organized, and focused during demanding services.
  • Takes ownership, solves problems, and holds themselves accountable.
  • Leads with professionalism and earns respect through their actions.
  • Understands the importance of communication between the front and back of house.
  • Is willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever is needed to help the team succeed.
  • Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
  • Must hold a current ServSafe Manager Certification or be willing to obtain one. We will assist with certification.

ONE TEAM. ONE STANDARD. ONE GOAL.

At The Library, we believe the strongest kitchens operate with a ONE TEAM mindset.

That means no egos. No “that’s not my job.” No finger-pointing.

It means supporting one another, taking pride in the details, communicating effectively, and working together to deliver an exceptional experience for every guest.

We expect our leaders to hold high standards while treating their team with respect.

We work hard. We take our craft seriously. And we believe a great team makes all the difference.

READY TO JOIN US?

If you’re an experienced culinary professional who loves the energy of a busy kitchen, takes pride in producing exceptional food, and wants to be part of a restaurant that values both excellence and teamwork, we’d love to meet you.

The Library Restaurant | Portsmouth, New Hampshire

$69,000 Annually | Two Weeks Paid Vacation | Two Weeks Paid Sick Time

Bring your experience. Bring your passion. Leave your ego at the door.

Employment Type(s): Full-time
Base Pay: $69,000/year

Show me how to apply

How to apply

Contact: Michelle Renee Walters
Email: [email protected]

Related Jobs