Executive Sous Chef

cafemonetmpa; Normal (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Dining privileges

Job summary

KNEAD Hospitality + Design is looking for an Executive Sous Chef for Café Monett in Normal, Illinois. This hands-on leadership role involves working closely with the Executive Chef to ensure high culinary standards and operations. You'll be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and overseeing daily kitchen operations.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of culinary experience, including leadership in fast-paced environments. Competitive salary and benefits include medical insurance and dining privileges across all restaurants.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 1 to 2 years in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience with new restaurant openings or kitchen buildouts strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to train, motivate, and retain teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all culinary operations for Café Monett.
• Act as the primary leader in the kitchen during service.
• Assist in hiring, training, and developing the opening culinary team.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team mentoring

Menu development

Food safety standards

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

KNEAD Hospitality + Design is seeking a driven and experienced Executive Sous Chef to support the opening and daily culinary operations of Café Monett, a brand-new restaurant located in downtown McLean and integrated within the McLean Project for the Arts campus.

Café Monett is designed as a community-focused café and restaurant that connects food, culture, and the arts. The concept features seasonal, approachable cuisine executed with refined technique, serving artists, patrons, families, and the surrounding neighborhood throughout the day.

As Executive Sous Chef , you will work directly alongside the Executive Chef to help open the restaurant, build the culinary team, and maintain high standards of execution, organization, and hospitality. This is a hands‑on leadership role ideal for a chef who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys mentoring teams, and takes pride in operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all culinary operations for Café Monett, including daily service, prep, and kitchen systems across all dayparts.
• Act as the primary leader in the kitchen during service, ensuring food quality, consistency, and speed of execution.
• Assist in hiring, training, and developing the opening culinary team while fostering a positive, accountable kitchen culture.
• Oversee BOH operations including scheduling support, inventory control, ordering, and cost awareness.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Help execute menu rollouts, seasonal updates, and special programming tied to gallery openings and community events.
• Maintain clear communication with FOH leadership to support seamless service and guest satisfaction.
• Step in for the Executive Chef as needed and provide leadership continuity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 1 to 2 years in a Sous Chef or senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience with new restaurant openings or kitchen buildouts strongly preferred.
• Background in seasonal, café-style, or modern European inspired cuisine a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to train, motivate, and retain teams.
• Solid understanding of kitchen organization, prep systems, and food cost fundamentals.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Dining privileges across all KNEAD Hospitality + Design restaurants
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities

About KNEAD Hospitality + Design

Founded by hospitality professionals Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin, KNEAD Hospitality + Design operates some of the region’s most respected restaurants, known for thoughtful design, ingredient-driven cuisine, and strong culinary leadership. Café Monett represents a new and exciting collaboration between food and the arts, rooted in community and creativity.

If you are a motivated culinary leader ready to help open a new restaurant and grow with an established hospitality group, we encourage you to apply.

We run background checks on all new hires in this position.