EXCUTIVE CHEF - RESTAURANT - NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY - EVANSTON, IL

Compass Group • Evanston, IL

101d • $65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

We are opening a new high-end Pub a new unit at the Northwestern University - Evanston campus in December 2025 and are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Kitchen Manager (Executive Chef) to lead all back-of-house (BOH) operations. This is an exciting opportunity to build a brand-new culinary team and shape the food culture, quality standards, and operational systems from the ground up. The ideal candidate is a creative and driven culinary professional with a strong background in fine dining, team leadership, and kitchen administration. This individual will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and consistency while fostering a collaborative and professional kitchen environment.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership experience in an upscale casual, elevated dining, or high-volume kitchen environment.
• Prior restaurant experience strongly preferred.
• Strong culinary background and hands-on expertise with fresh, high-quality ingredients and modern methods.
• Proven ability to inspire, train, and manage a diverse culinary team in a high-pressure setting.
• In-depth knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, operations, and food safety standards.
• Proficiency in inventory systems, food cost analysis, labor forecasting, and kitchen management software.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) required.
• Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred.
• Professional demeanor, passion for culinary excellence, and commitment to delivering a trend-driven, approachable, and high-class dining experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all BOH operations, including food preparation, service, sanitation, and staffing.
• Maintain rigorous standards of food quality, presentation, and taste aligned with the Pub's elevated dining / upscale casual expectations.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff; ensure adherence to safety, sanitation, and culinary best practices.
• Collaborate with the FOH Manager and operational leadership on menu development, trend-driven seasonal offerings, and special event planning.
• Manage inventory, vendor relationships, and purchasing to ensure cost-effective procurement of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Monitor and control food and labor costs, implementing strategies to achieve budgetary goals while maintaining quality.
• Ensure full compliance with local health codes, food safety regulations, and company policies.
• Develop and manage BOH schedules to meet labor and service demands.
• Lead and support the team during peak service periods to ensure smooth and timely execution.
• Conduct regular line checks, tastings, and quality audits throughout service.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performance kitchen culture through coaching and accountability.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree