Opening Sous Chef — Culinary Leader for Cultural Center

Compass Group USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

Join the opening team at the Obama Presidential Center to help bring a world-class culinary and hospitality program to Chicago's cultural destination. As Sous Chef, you will lead daily kitchen operations, coach culinary associates, and ensure innovative menus are executed with excellence.

Working with the Executive Chef, you will mentor teams in a fast-paced environment, deliver high-quality menus, and support events from intimate gatherings to major functions while upholding safety and service

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
• 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in high-volume environments (restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions, or corporate dining).
• Experience leading teams in complex foodservice operations with multiple service styles.
• Strong catering and banquet production experience preferred.
• Experience with large-scale production, batch cooking, and scratch cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends with a passion for seasonal ingredients, quality, and presentation.
• Proven understanding of food cost management, inventory control, purchasing, and labor efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other foodservice technology platforms.
• ServSafe Certification preferred (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with a collaborative, guest-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in overseeing all day-to-day culinary operations across assigned dining venues and event spaces.
• Lead and develop hourly culinary associates by providing coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Prepare, cook, and present high-quality food while maintaining consistency in flavor, presentation, and execution.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and daily specials.
• Execute catering and special events ranging from intimate receptions to large-scale functions with precision and professionalism.
• Monitor food quality, portioning, inventory, and production schedules to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, inventory management, and food cost control.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety standards.
• Support the rollout of new culinary concepts, menus, and operational initiatives in partnership with culinary leadership.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and hospitality that reflects the mission and values of the Obama Presidential Center.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Menu development

Catering & banquet experience

Seasonal ingredients

Education

Associate degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Job description

Join the opening team at the Obama Presidential Center to help bring a world-class culinary and hospitality program to Chicago's cultural destination. As Sous Chef, you will lead daily kitchen operations, coach culinary associates, and ensure innovative menus are executed with excellence.

Working with the Executive Chef, you will mentor teams in a fast-paced environment, deliver high-quality menus, and support events from intimate gatherings to major functions while upholding safety and service