Chef de Cuisine

Sophy - Hyde Park; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage up to 80%

401K with discretionary match

Paid holidays and generous PTO

Dental and vision insurance

Earned wage access

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality is seeking a Chef de Cuisine at the Sophy Hotel to lead kitchen operations, ensure high-quality meals, and manage production schedules per Executive Chef guidance.

You will develop staff, uphold health and safety standards, control food costs, and collaborate with front-of-house teams to deliver memorable experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ of high volume kitchen management.
• Culinary degree desirable or equivalent combination of education and work.
• Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals in accordance with company standards, menu specifications and production schedules.
• Oversee kitchen staff in the preparation/production of all meal periods.
• Maintain standard operating procedures, kitchen systems, records, inventories and PMIX reporting.
• Develop staff through training programs and ensure food and labor cost prudency.
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained at all times per regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

People Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

Judgment & Discretion

Organizational & Time Management

Aptitude & Adaptability

Composure

Attention to Detail

Computer skills/ Technical Aptitude

Training

Education

Culinary degree desirable

Tools

Kitchen equipment operation

Job description

We’re more than just a team – we’re a community dedicated to making a difference every day.

At Olympia Hospitality and the Sophy Hotel, we create a fun, supportive environment where growth never stops, and success is celebrated together. Guided by our values of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust, we foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the preparation of high-quality meals in accordance with company standards, menu specifications and production schedules set forth by the Executive Chef; and always maintaining and adhering to the health and food safety program per state and federal regulations. This position is also responsible for overseeing kitchen staff in the preparation/production of all meal periods. As directed by the Executive Chef, this position maintains standard operating procedures, kitchen systems including, but not limited to preparation logs, inventories, product usage and PMIX reporting, administrative and training programs for the development of his/her staff, financial prudency for food and labor costs, programming/menus for all meal periods. This position is also responsible for ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained at all times per state and federal regulations in the absence of the Executive Chef. As a leader, ensures and is committed to the development of a cohesive staff that consistently produces high quality food which promotes profitability and a positive culture.

Pay range: $90,000-$95,000 per year

Join a Team that Puts Your Well-Being First!

At Olympia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our employees both in and out of the workplace. When you join us, you’re not just getting a job – you’re joining a family-first organization that cares about your health and wellness, your future, and your overall satisfaction.

Here’s how we show our commitment:

• Health Coverage That Works for You: We contribute up to 80% toward individual health plans and offer affordable dental and vision insurance. Plus, with FSA and HSA options, you can plan for your healthcare costs your way.
• Secure Your Future: With our 401K plan and discretionary yearly match, you can build the financial future you deserve.
• Peace of Mind: We provide paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared cost short-term disability, and you have the option to purchase additional employee paid life insurance.
• Time for You: Enjoy our robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance. Need quick access to your paycheck? Our earned wage access program has you covered!
• Additional Support: From our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to a sober support network, and our commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace, we're here to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Perks: Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts as a member of our team. Additional benefits may be available based on property specific locations!

We’re more than just a business—we’re a values-driven organization that believes in creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Our core values guide everything we do, from how we interact with each other to how we serve our guests and community. Join us at Olympia Hospitality and take the next step toward a fulfilling, balanced, and supported career.

Core Skills

• Leadership – ability to effectively motivate, mentor, coach & counsel others to perform well (including appropriate documentation)
• Customer Service – deliver hospitable service that is attentive, friendly, efficient, and courteous; demonstrate patience, tact, and diplomacy
• People Skills – ability to collaborate, create rapport, and work effectively with others; earn and maintain trust and respect
• Communication Skills – ability to effectively listen & communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills – ability to identify the issue, collect and analyze information to understand the problem and effectively resolve. Identify, recommend, and implement best practices
• Judgment & Discretion – appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information
• Organizational & Time Management Skills – ability to appropriately schedule time to meet job demands, multi-task, prioritize, follow through, and work efficiently with limited supervision
• Aptitude & Adaptability – ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities and business needs
• Composure – ability to maintain composure and work under pressure, managing stress to meet business demands. (Calmly handle all customer and employee interactions & issues)
• Attention to Detail – ability to follow instructions and achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks
• Computer skills/ Technical Aptitude – proficiency in computer technology, i.e., e-mail, MS Word, Excel, & other hotel related systems. Utilize technology to enhance organizational efficiency
• Training – ability to share knowledge and act as a resource in teaching others to perform tasks efficiently and safely

Technical Skills

• Must have strong Culinary/cooking skills - skilled in different styles of cooking
• Food cost analysis, i.e., knowledge of food ordering, inventories, labor control
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of kitchen equipment use and operation
• Knife skills, grill, broiler, sauté and Expediter skills; garde manger experience
• Financial understanding of food costs and minimizing waste in the kitchen

Experience / Education

Minimum 2 years’ of high volume kitchen management; catering/banquet experience, management or previous supervisory experience in food and beverage operations preferred; Culinary degree desirable or equivalent combination of education and work; previous experience with employee coaching and counselling as well as documentation; experience with establishing, documenting and enforcing food safety procedures and workplace safety procedures, as well as purchasing, receiving and inventory control. Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a hotel environment; This position is physically demanding as it requires extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and lifting to 50 pounds. Moderate computer keying using both hands and viewing material on a computer screen. Requires flexible working hours including nights and weekends; Extended workdays may be required to accomplish tasks and meet workload demands during peak periods. Reasonable accommodation may be made to eligible employees to perform the essential functions.

The Olympia Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to such characteristics as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable law.