Jr. Sous Chef

Mather; Wilmette (IL); On-site; USD 34,440 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Parental Leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Mather Place in Wilmette, IL seeks a Jr. Sous Chef to help lead culinary operations behind a premier senior living dining program. This hands-on leadership role focuses on food quality, safety, team development, and memorable resident experiences.

You will supervise kitchen staff, assist with menu development, ensure HACCP standards, and support daily operations in two year-round venues and a seasonal outlet. 100% in-person, flexible shifts include days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience preparing a variety of quality foods in varying quantities.
• Ability to read and interpret work related documents and follow standardized recipes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate and delegate tasks to staff.
• Current sanitation certification and reliable, punctual attendance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production to ensure timely delivery of quality meals.
• Coach and mentor kitchen staff; enforce HACCP standards and food safety.
• Assist with menu development and ordering within budget.
• Assist with scheduling and daily cleaning assignments.
• Collaborate with Building Services on maintenance programs.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Communication

Mentoring

Menu development

Education

Sanitation certification

Formal culinary training (preferred)

Job description

Join Mather Place as a Jr. Sous Chef and help lead the culinary operations behind one of Wilmette's premier senior living dining experiences. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who is passionate about exceptional food, team development, and hospitality. In this hands‑on leadership role, you'll support daily kitchen operations, coach and mentor team members, uphold the highest food safety and sanitation standards, and help ensure every meal reflects the quality, service, and attention to detail our residents have come to expect.

At Mather Place, dining is more than a meal—it's a meaningful part of the resident experience. Our culinary team prepares scratch‑made cuisine and contributes to robust menu development across two year‑round restaurant venues and one seasonal outdoor dining outlet, serving residents, their family members, friends, catered events, and to‑go dining needs. We are seeking a seasoned kitchen leader who thrives in a collaborative environment, embraces innovation and creativity, and enjoys developing both people and memorable dining experiences.

This is a full‑time, hourly position that is 100% in person at Mather Place, located at 2801 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.

Essential Functions

• Prepares production sheets and oversees the consistent preparation and timely delivery of quality food to residents, guests, family members and staff.
• Ensures adherence to safe food handling, proper personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures, according to Health Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines.
• Provides oversight and training of kitchen staff including food preparation and presentation, departmental orientation, safe operations of kitchen equipment and cleanliness standards; supervises staff in absence of Executive Chef/Sous Chef.
• Assists with creation of menus and recipes; orders and secures needed food items and supplies within approved departmental budget and quality guidelines.
• Monitors food production to minimize waste and over production.
• Ensures kitchen, storerooms and coolers/freezers are organized and zoned.
• Ensures timely and accurate documentation including required production and temperature logs.
• Assists with weekly scheduling of kitchen staff and monitors daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning assignments, ensuring proper use and cleaning of equipment and supplies.
• Collaborates with Building Services to establish and monitor preventative maintenance programs.
• Assists with menu development as requested.
• Assists with receiving deliveries, puts away deliveries when necessary, and assists with the organization of dry storage, walk‑ins and freezer using proper rotational practices.
• Assists Kitchen Attendant as needed / assigned with dish and ware washing, receiving, transportation of food and equipment, and cleaning duties.
• May be assigned to assist Pastry Chef with basic or fundamental tasks.
• Identifies areas for improvement, proposes possible solutions, and participates in data collection and process changes as part of the Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.
• SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Tactile, tasting, smelling, near vision, peripheral vision, and color vision.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• 5+ years of experience preparing a variety of quality foods in varying quantities.
• Ability to make independent decisions as needed.
• Able to establish and maintain professional, positive relationships between and among production and service staff.
• Able to read and interpret work related documents and follow standardized recipes.
• Current sanitation certification.
• Reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance, to provide timely service to internal and external customers and to support uninterrupted business operations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate and delegate tasks to staff.

Preferred

• Formal culinary training.
• Supervisory experience.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of therapeutic diets, recipe ingredients, adherence to heart healthy guidelines and other dietary restrictions.
• Shifts vary, flexibility in scheduling is preferred.
• English language proficiency.
• Computer skills.

#INDM123

The hourly base wage range provided is a good faith estimate of what Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, certifications, years of experience, geographic location, and current market conditions. At Mather, we are committed to being inclusive, resilient, bold, and impactful—and that includes offering a total rewards experience designed to support our team members. This position may be eligible to participate in Mather’s benefit plan and the Team Member Appreciation Fund, if applicable. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on employment status and hours worked per pay period. Participation in the Team member Appreciation Fund is not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hire date and program eligibility requirements. All benefits are subject to change without notice.

Hourly Pay Range: $25 USD - $28 USD

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.

Benefits‑eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members.

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About Mather Place

Mather Place is an independent living rental community for those 62 and better, located in the heart of Chicago’s North Shore in Wilmette, Illinois—a short walk from Old Orchard shopping center. Mather Place includes 179 independent living apartment homes, as well as two restaurants, a fitness center, an art studio, a library, and more.

Mather Place is located at 2801 Old Glenview Road in Wilmette.

About Mather

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non‑denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.