Chef Manager

Food For Thought; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401K Retirement Plan

FFT University

Employee Meal Plan

Employee Discounts

Parental Leave

Job summary

Food For Thought is seeking a Chef Manager to lead Front and Back of House across Chicagoland cafés. You will set kitchen vision, align with trends, and ensure flawless execution of menus and client expectations.

With 5+ years in food service management, you will balance creativity and operational excellence, manage costs precisely, and motivate teams to success across multiple locations in the Chicagoland area.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Food Service Management.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient computer skills and exceptional organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must provide valid Food Service Manager Certificate and Food Allergen Certification.

Responsibilities

• Measuring customer satisfaction levels through feedback and resolving any issues immediately.
• Working with the District Manager to maintain 100% compliance with the new menu and promo rollouts from the chef’s committee.
• Acting as the liaison with the client to ensure expectations are met.
• Managing and maintaining all SOP and HACCP standards.
• Demonstrating financial expertise and accountability in managing Food, Labor and Direct costs against budgets and forecasts.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Skills

communication

leadership

computers

organization

fast-paced

Education

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts

Food Service Manager Certificate

Food Allergen Certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Chef Manager

Full Time Chicago, IL, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1392

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Job Title: Chef Manager
Salary: $70k – 75k a year
Hours:Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening availability is needed at some locations.
Location: Multiple locations in the Chicagoland area Including Northwest, downtown and Jefferson park area

Job Summary

Are you ready to bring your culinary passion and leadership skills to the next level? Food For Thought is hiring a Chef Manager to oversee both the Front and Back of House teams across our Chicagoland café locations. In this role, you’ll set the vision for your kitchen, stay ahead of industry trends, and ensure flawless execution of menus, promotions, and client expectations.

You’re a cautious risk-taker who thrives in a fast-paced environment—balancing creativity with operational excellence. You hold yourself and others to high standards, manage costs with precision, and know how to keep both customers and employees satisfied. With at least 5 years in food service management and the ability to adapt quickly, you’re self-sufficient, direct, and motivated to lead teams to success.

Responsibilities

• Measuring customer satisfaction levels through feedback and resolving any issues immediately.
• Working with the District Manager to maintain 100% compliance with the new menu and promo rollouts from the chef’s committee.
• Acting as the liaison with the client to ensure expectations are met.
• Managing and maintaining all SOP and HACCP standards.
• Demonstrating financial expertise and accountability in managing Food, Labor and Direct costs against budgets and forecasts.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years in Food Service Management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Proficient computer skills and exceptional organizational skills.
• Must provide valid Food Service Manager Certificate and Food Allergen Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.
• A passion for culinary arts, with a desire for creativity.
• Ability to budget and manage inventory.
• Creativity and adaptability to challenges.

Why We’re the Leaders

• Employee Referral bonuses
• Career advancement opportunities
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Paid Life Insurance ($50K by the company, optional additional coverage)
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss
    • Assistance for you and household members
    • In Person Sessions
    • Unlimited phone access
• Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
• 401K Retirement Plan
• FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Diverse,Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating
• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!