Chef Manager: Creative, High-Impact Kitchen Leader

Bon Appétit Management Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Bon Appetit Management Company’s Chef Manager role at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago leads daily kitchen operations and culinary teams to deliver exceptional dining aligned with hospitality and community values.

You will drive seasonal menus, manage food/labor costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and collaborate with operations to execute events while improving financial performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive culinary management experience in contract dining, hospitality or high-volume foodservice.
• Strong experience leading kitchen operations and developing culinary teams.
• Proven ability to manage menu development, recipe standardization and product costing.
• Knowledge of budgeting and P&L accountability.
• Extensive understanding of HACCP principles and food safety.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of daily kitchen operations, ensuring quality and guest satisfaction.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop culinary team members.
• Develop seasonal menus and daily features balancing creativity and cost.
• Manage food and labor costs through purchasing, inventory, and planning.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory controls with vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Monitor quality, presentation, and portion standards across offerings.
• Partner with operations leadership to deliver service and cater events.
• Analyze financial performance including P&L and drive toward budget goals.
• Champion sustainable practices by supporting local sourcing and waste reduction.
• Lead by example with hands-on management and coaching.

Skills

Culinary management

Team leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Food safety HACCP

Staff development

Job description

Bon Appetit Management Company’s Chef Manager role at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago leads daily kitchen operations and culinary teams to deliver exceptional dining aligned with hospitality and community values.

You will drive seasonal menus, manage food/labor costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and collaborate with operations to execute events while improving financial performance.