Lead Sous Chef: Menu & Kitchen Leadership

Mainsail Lodging & Development; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401K

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Training & Development

Tuition Reimbursement

Bereavement Leave

Employee Discounts

Free meals

Job summary

Mainsail Lodging & Development invites applications for a Sous Chef at Elevage Restaurant. You will support the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensure top-tier food quality, hygiene, and presentation, and foster a collaborative culinary team.

Your role includes hands‑on cooking, menu development, inventory management, and leadership to maintain safety, consistency, and efficiency across service periods.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; a culinary degree or certification is preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least one (1) year in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen equipment, and health and safety standards.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chef de Cuisine in day‑to‑day kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Supervise kitchen staff to ensure adherence to recipes, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Coordinate with front‑of‑house staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery during service hours.
• Ensure all food products are consistently prepared and served according to the restaurant’s recipes, portioning, cooking, and serving standards.
• Monitor food and labor costs and work to optimize efficiency without compromising quality.
• Assist in creating and updating menus, including specials and seasonal items.
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections to ensure health, safety, and sanitation regulations compliance.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers, fostering skill development and teamwork.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering supplies, managing stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Step in to assist with cooking or other kitchen tasks during peak hours or staff shortages.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment and appliances.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times.
• Must have open schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree or certification preferred

Job description

Mainsail Lodging & Development invites applications for a Sous Chef at Elevage Restaurant. You will support the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensure top-tier food quality, hygiene, and presentation, and foster a collaborative culinary team.

Your role includes hands‑on cooking, menu development, inventory management, and leadership to maintain safety, consistency, and efficiency across service periods.