High-Volume Sous Chef — Lead Kitchen Operations

LSG Sky Chefs group; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyChefs in Des Plaines, IL is seeking a Sous Chef for a large-scale, high-volume production kitchen serving airline and related partners. You will lead production, ensure food safety, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, cost awareness, and adherence to HACCP standards, with responsibilities spanning production, quality checks, and team development. On-site location near ORD supports a dynamic culinary operation.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of experience in commercial cooking or Apprenticeship or Certification from culinary school required.
• Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Understand and demonstrate concepts of financial controls (ex: keep food cost within budget, control stock levels while being cost conscious, minimize waste).
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Service orientation.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Executes and supervises food production activities, e.g. cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking of food items.
• Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when unavailable (vacation, off-days, menu presentation).
• Supervise, coordinate and control kitchen helpers in food storage and tidiness.
• Conducts, coordinates and supervises inventories.
• Monitors material consumption and orders required food and equipment daily to satisfy production plan.
• Participates in development of food products and menus for menu presentations.
• Maintains awareness of catering manuals and conducts updates as necessary.
• Executes countermeasures in production in case of customer complaints.
• Supports training of kitchen helpers.
• Maintains hygiene, health and safety standards and HACCP compliance.

Skills

Commercial cooking

HACCP knowledge

Budget control

Communication

Organization

Education

Culinary school certification

Job description

SkyChefs in Des Plaines, IL is seeking a Sous Chef for a large-scale, high-volume production kitchen serving airline and related partners. You will lead production, ensure food safety, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, cost awareness, and adherence to HACCP standards, with responsibilities spanning production, quality checks, and team development. On-site location near ORD supports a dynamic culinary operation.