Maple & Ash Chicago Sous Chef

Maple Hospitality Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent culinary firm in Chicago is seeking a kitchen leadership role dedicated to ensuring exceptional food quality and effective management within a high-end restaurant environment. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of culinary management experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced conditions. Responsibilities include supervising kitchen staff, managing inventory, and enhancing the guest experience through exceptional service. This position offers a dynamic work environment with significant growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must maintain high cleanliness and food safety standards.
• 2+ years of higher management culinary experience required.
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide supportive leadership to kitchen staff.
• Oversee food execution and ensure quality.
• Maintain inventory practices and reporting.
• Recruit and train kitchen and dish staff.

Skills

High-end level restaurant experiences

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to lead a team

Exceptional problem-solving abilities

Detail-oriented

Job description

Job Details

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two‑Michelin‑starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we’re building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world‑class service, and one‑of‑a‑kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, and Miami, you’ll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

• Generosity:Always give more, exceed expectations.
• Excellence:Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.
• Fun:Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.
• Fail Fast:Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

What You Will Do

This position is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service. Assisting the Executive Chef in monitoring kitchen activities, expediting orders to ensure quality taste or presentation, and taking on additional responsibilities to keep the kitchen department functioning properly.

• Accomplish company goals by owning assigned tasks and exploring opportunities to add value to the position
• Oversee the line and ensure the execution of exceptional food in a timely manner
• Responsible for daily line checks to continually drive consistency in recipe standards
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, CDC, and Exe Sous Chef to maintain corporate‑mandated food and labor costs.
• Oversee and participate in daily food purchasing and prep production
• Maintain proper inventory practices and reporting
• Create menu specials, as requested by the Executive Chef
• Schedule and manage staff to build a strong kitchen and dish team
• Recruit exceptional hourly staff members and ensure they’re properly trained to execute their job duties
• Actively prepare for and participate in manager meetings
• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by establishing and enforcing sanitation standards, complying with health and legal regulations, and maintaining security systems.
• Communicate effectively and genuinely with staff members, guests, and all departments
• Maintain a friendly, caring and professional demeanor at all times in a fast‑paced environment
• Respond quickly to guest and staff complaints and requests in a friendly and professional manner
• Report to the Executive Chef, CDC, and Executive Sous Chef on operational wins, losses and areas in need of improvement.
• Perform minor accounting duties
• Any other duties assigned

Qualifications

Who We Are Looking For

• High‑end level restaurant experiences is a must
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must maintain a high level of cleanliness and be aware of all food safety standards
• Ability to lead a team and follow instructions
• Ability to work in high‑pressure situations.
• Must have personal pride in appearance.
• Exceptional problem‑solving abilities.
• Must be detail‑oriented.

This role requires

• 2+ years of higher management culinary experience
• Must have a flexible schedule including the ability to work on nights, weekends, and holidays
• Complete position requirements in a fast‑paced environment

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.