Events-Centric Sous Chef

DO & CO • Des Plaines, IL

1d • $80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

We’re seeking a dynamic Events-Centric Sous Chef, who elevates daily kitchen excellence, motivates a high-performing team, and contributes to creative, cost-smart menu development at DO&CO’s New York, Chicago, Miami, LAX kitchens. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to cook at premier global events—like Formula 1 and FIFA—throughout the U.S. and around the world. About DO & CO We have a passion for hospitality culinary delights on every elevated floor and in the sky. With the three business segments of Airline Catering, International Event Catering, and Restaurants, Lounges & Hotels, we offer gourmet entertainment all over the world. We operate in 33 locations, 12 countries and 3 Continents, maintaining the highest standard of quality in both our products and services. We refine the classics, develop the unknown and grow constantly – sometimes beyond our own expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3+ professional cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen environment required.
• Culinary degree or certification is preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations within your assigned area, guiding and mentoring culinary teams to deliver exceptional food quality, flawless technique, consistent portioning, presentation, and cost control.
• Champion ingredient excellence by inspecting freshness, participating in tastings, and standardizing production recipes to ensure consistency across all menus.
• Maintain seamless production flow by monitoring inventory levels, preventing shortages, and proactively communicating needs or discrepancies to the Executive Chef.
• Drive culinary innovation and catering excellence by contributing ideas that elevate cost efficiency, quality, presentation, and overall guest experience.
• Uphold rigorous production standards to guarantee timelines, quality benchmarks, and client specifications are met without compromise.
• Ensure menu items meet DO&CO’s signature standards, delivering products that align precisely with airline meal specs and premium catering expectations.
• Support the Executive Chef with proposal development, creative menu concepts, food cost control, operational reporting, and team scheduling.
• Optimize staffing coverage & travel to DO&CO catered events, to ensure culinary personnel levels align with business demands and operational needs.
• Safeguard a world-class kitchen environment by enforcing strict compliance with federal/state food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, equipment care, and overall cleanliness standards
• Maintain Culinary Excellence Standard- train, motivate and manage kitchen personnel and supervise culinary activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually.
• Daily Complimentary Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
• FT employees are eligible for 401K and medical benefits: medical, dental, and vision.
• An organization dedicated to fostering innovation; in pursuit of cultivating creativity, embracing new ideas and leveraging our impeccable standard for hospitality.
• Genuine career development opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays based on company operations.
• The chance to collaborate and represent a leading force in the luxury global gourmet entertainment industry by attending world-class events.

What This Job Offers

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