Events-Centric Sous Chef

DO • Des Plaines, IL

5d

About The Position

DO & CO is seeking an Events-Centric Sous Chef to support daily kitchen excellence, motivate and develop a high-performing culinary team, and contribute to creative, cost-conscious menu development. The role is based in DO & CO’s New York, Chicago, or LAX kitchens and includes opportunities to cook at major events such as Formula 1 and FIFA in the U.S. and internationally.

DO & CO operates in Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants, Lounges & Hotels. The company operates in 33 locations across 12 countries and three continents, with a focus on high standards of quality in its products and services.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of current catering industry trends.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining attention to detail and consistency in food quality.
• Familiarity with kitchen safety and sanitation protocols.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work long hours on foot and in environments with varying temperatures.
• Flexibility to work different shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary degree or certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations in the assigned area, guiding and mentoring culinary teams to deliver excellent food quality, technique, portioning, presentation, and cost control.
• Inspect ingredient freshness, participate in tastings, and standardize production recipes to ensure consistency across menus.
• Monitor inventory, prevent shortages, and communicate needs or discrepancies to the Executive Chef.
• Contribute ideas that improve cost efficiency, food quality, presentation, and the guest experience.
• Maintain production standards so timelines, quality benchmarks, and client specifications are met.
• Ensure menu items meet DO & CO standards and comply with airline meal specifications and premium catering expectations.
• Support the Executive Chef with proposals, menu concepts, food cost control, operational reporting, and team scheduling.
• Optimize staffing coverage and travel to catered events so culinary staffing aligns with business and operational needs.
• Enforce food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, equipment care, and cleanliness standards.
• Train, motivate, and manage kitchen personnel and supervise culinary activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Daily complimentary meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• 401(k) and medical benefits—including medical, dental, and vision—for full-time employees.
• Career development opportunities nationally and internationally.
• Flexible schedule, with availability to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays based on company operations.
• Opportunity to attend world-class events and represent a leading force in the luxury global gourmet entertainment industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed