Sous Chef
About The Position
Restaurant Associates is seeking a hands-on, service-driven Closing Sous Chef to support culinary operations in a premier corporate dining environment in Chicago, Illinois. The role leads daily kitchen production and closing procedures while maintaining high standards for food quality, presentation, sanitation, safety, and operational excellence. The Sous Chef supervises and mentors the culinary team, coordinates food production, and ensures the kitchen is organized and ready for the next day’s service. The position also supports evening receptions and client events as needed, and helps deliver an elevated dining experience consistent with client expectations.
Requirements
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, or in a similar culinary leadership role in a high-volume setting.
- Strong knowledge of culinary production, food safety, sanitation, portion control, and presentation standards.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate a culinary team.
- Able to work Monday through Friday, typically 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with flexibility to support occasional evening receptions.
- Comfortable performing hands-on culinary, operational, and closing responsibilities.
- Excellent communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to exceptional service and consistently exceeding client and guest expectations.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in corporate dining, upscale hospitality, fine dining, catering, or high-end foodservice.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and support cooks and kitchen associates in daily culinary operations.
- Assist with interviewing, scheduling, training, performance feedback, and employee development.
- Prepare and oversee food production according to approved recipes, menus, presentation standards, and service timelines.
- Partner with culinary and operations leadership to deliver an elevated dining experience aligned with client expectations.
- Maintain portion control, food presentation, product quality, and safe serving temperatures.
- Oversee closing procedures, including kitchen sanitation, equipment checks, product storage, inventory review, and securing the operation.
- Organize and prepare the kitchen and culinary areas for the following day’s service.
- Monitor food usage, waste, inventory levels, and product quality; assist with requisitioning and purchasing as needed.
- Receive and inspect deliveries for accuracy, quality, freshness, and quantity.
- Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety standards.
- Keep workstations, service areas, equipment, utensils, and storage areas clean and presentation-ready.
- Support the development, testing, and execution of seasonal menus, culinary programs, and special-event offerings.
- Provide culinary leadership and hands-on support for evening receptions and client events as needed.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and accidental death insurance
- Disability insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Holiday time off (varies by site and 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
- Certain associates may be eligible for additional paid and/or unpaid time off in accordance with applicable law
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
