Executive Chef New Chicago, IL

Convene; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid time off

401K match

Career growth

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Convene Hospitality Group in Chicago is seeking an Executive Chef who will lead the culinary team, collaborate with the General Manager, and ensure an outstanding client and guest experience at high-volume events.

The ideal candidate has an A.O.S. in Culinary Arts or certificate, 3–5 years of kitchen leadership, experience guiding small teams, extensive catering, and a hands-on approach focused on quality, sanitation, and cost controls.

Qualifications

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate and required experience
• Minimal 3-5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience
• Experience leading small culinary team up to 6 people
• Extensive catering experience
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience – highly desirable
• In-depth knowledge of food trends, sanitation, and cost controls
• Hands-on chef experience

Responsibilities

• Provide direction for daily operations of the Culinary department
• Oversee inventory management and proper storage of supplies
• Manage food production for corporate meetings, conferences, and events
• Maintain quality, presentation, and guest experience

Skills

Culinary leadership

Kitchen management

Catering experience

High volume operations

Team leadership up to 6

Hands-on chef

Google Suite

Slack

Zoom

Education

A.O.S. in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate

Tools

Google Suite

Slack

Zoom

Job description

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

Convene 311 W Monroe - Chicago

We are looking for an executive chef who exemplifies a passion for Culinary, Hospitality, and is a proponent of educating a team and cultivating a positive and inclusive employee culture. If hired, you will play a key role in providing support and guidance to our culinary team, and help ensure a positive client and guest experience!

At Convene, our cultural DNA is rooted in GRIT- a set of guiding principles that fuel our passion, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence to be 1% better every day. Standing for genuine, relentless, integrity, and teamwork, GRIT is more than just an acronym- it's a way of life that informs every aspect of our organization. From the initiatives we launch to the partners we choose to work with, GRIT is the thread that weaves our community together!

What You’ll Do:

In this role, the Executive Chef will partner with and report directly to the General Manager. Our Executive Chef has experience in high volume environments with a focus on presentation and conference style catering.

• Provide the direction for all day-to-day operations of the Culinary department and ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the guests and employees.
• Ensure that supplies are ordered, received, and properly stored. Maintain an inventory of supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment.
• Manage department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed weekly/monthly
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Attract, hire, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day’s business.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Review PEOs, make notes, develop and assign production and preparation tasks accordingly
• Responsible for constant sanitation, organization, and proper food handling
• Responsible for all food production for all corporate meetings, conferences and events.
• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Supervising daily setup for menu, anticipating business volume, and adjusting work areas/schedules accordingly

What We Look For:

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate and required experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree of training
• Experience leading small culinary team up to 6 people
• Extensive catering experience
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience – highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences a plus
• Hands-on chef experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Proficient in Google Suite, Slack and Zoom
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required; work schedule may include early mornings and occasional weekends
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time

Compensation:

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.

Salary Min: $80,000 Salary Max: $89,000

This role is also eligible for Convene's annual incentive performance bonus plan.

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors

At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here’s what you can expect:

• Health & Wellness: Day-one health coverage for you and your family, 24/ 7 virtual care, emotional well-being support, and fertility & family planning benefits. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
• Time Off & Balance: Generous PTO, your birthday off (because, of course!), paid parental leave, and a year-end holiday closure to recharge.
• Financial Growth: 401K with company match and support for education, courses, and certifications. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
• Development & Recognition: Ongoing career growth opportunities plus recognition programs to celebrate milestones.
• Community & Impact: Volunteer and give-back opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the work you do.

At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. If you’re excited to grow, learn, and make an impact, we’d love to have you on the team.

Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.