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Restaurant Sous Chef
Career Insights for Sous Chef
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Sous Chef hands on and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the kitchen. Sous chefs fill in as leaders for the head chef, and get involved in preparing food like station chefs when needed.
$53,904 / year median in Illinois
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Restaurant Sous Chef Join a wonderful hospitality organization where you'll have the opportunity to lead a high-volume culinary team, develop your leadership skills, and help create memorable dining experiences for families from around the country. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Sous Chef looking to grow into an Executive Chef role with a company known for promoting from within. Restaurant Chef Benefits & Compensation Base salary: $60,000-$70,000 Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Telehealth resources Life insurance 401(k) with employer match Paid vacation Paid parental leave Flexible scheduling options Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Relief Fund Ongoing leadership and culinary development through company training programs Scholarship opportunities and career advancement pathways Employee referral bonuses Restaurant Chef Requirements & Qualifications Must-Haves High school diploma or equivalent Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality environment Ability to lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef Experience supervising, coaching, and training kitchen staff Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and local Health Department regulations Experience managing food preparation, quality standards, and recipe execution Understanding of inventory control, food cost management, and FIFO inventory practices Ability to assist with scheduling and labor management Comfortable working nights, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods Successful completion of background check and drug screening Day-to-Day Responsibilities Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure consistent food quality across multiple dining outlets Lead and motivate culinary team members while maintaining high productivity standards Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance coaching of kitchen staff Support menu development and seasonal menu enhancements Monitor food costs, inventory levels, ordering, and product rotation Ensure compliance with all sanitation, safety, and health regulations Maintain back-of-house cleanliness and organization Troubleshoot kitchen equipment issues and coordinate preventative maintenance Work alongside the culinary team during service while maintaining operational efficiency Restaurant Sous Chef Preferred Background & Skills Culinary degree or formal culinary education At least 1 year of leadership experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Lead Cook Strong knowledge of kitchen equipment maintenance and troubleshooting Excellent communication and team-building skills Positive, energetic leadership style with a hands-on approach Passion for mentoring and developing culinary talent Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, family-focused hospitality environment
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) Plans
- Other Retirement and Savings
- Health and Wellness Programs