Sous Chef

Convene Hospitality Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Time Off & Balance

Financial Growth

Development & Recognition

Community & Impact

Job summary

Convene Willis Tower in Chicago is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our culinary team. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will drive menu execution, lead daily kitchen operations, and deliver high-caliber dining experiences across our meeting and event spaces.

The ideal candidate holds an A.O.S. in Culinary Arts or a culinary certificate, has at least 3 years of progressive kitchen management, and is proficient with cost controls, menu development, sanitation, and MS Office.

Qualifications

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience.
• Knowledge of café operations is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food cost controls, quality, production, sanitation, and presentation.
• Proficiency with MS Office and internal systems used for F&B standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain full knowledge of menus, recipes, and related information.
• Participate in company-wide cost savings initiatives.
• Assist in implementation of training programs.
• Develop and curate menus and specials to showcase culinary creativity.
• Maintain sanitation, organization, and proper food handling.
• Lead pre-shifts and management meetings.

Skills

Team leadership

Cost controls

Menu development

Sanitation

MS Office proficiency

Kitchens operations

Education

A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts

Culinary certificate

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well. If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

Convene is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our culinary team at Convene Willis Tower. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, you will play a key role in driving menu execution, leading daily kitchen operations, and delivering high-caliber dining experiences across our meeting and event spaces.

At Convene, our cultural DNA is rooted in GRIT- a set of guiding principles that fuel our passion, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence to be 1% better every day. Standing for genuine, relentless, integrity, and teamwork, GRIT is more than just an acronym- it's a way of life that informs every aspect of our organization. From the initiatives we launch to the partners we choose to work with, GRIT is the thread that weaves our community together!

What You’ll Do:

This position requires experience in high-volume environments with a focus on presentation and conference style catering. As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting in maintenance of budgeted food cost, ordering, menu development, sanitation and overall food quality and presentation, as well as assisting in daily ordering and inventory.

• Maintain full knowledge of menus, recipes, and other pertinent information
• Participate in company-wide cost savings initiatives
• Cooperate with implementation of cooperative training programs
• Display passion for increasing knowledge of the culinary field through collaborative development and curation of menus and specials
• Responsible for constant sanitation, organization, and proper food handling
• Cultivate a kitchen environment conducive to learning and growth opportunity through a pattern of hands‑on leadership skills inclusive of the ability to delegate and follow up

What We Look For:

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate and required experience
• Minimum 3 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree of training
• Knowledge of café operations is a plus
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Must be experienced with modern technology, to include MS Office suite, Outlook, and a variety of internal systems and programs that facilitate our F&B standards
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities inclusive of following up with front of house teams
• Leading pre-shifts and recurring property leadership meetings
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 30 pounds without assistance
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time

Compensation:

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.

Salary Min: $70,000 Salary Max: $80,000

This role is also eligible for Convene's annual incentive performance bonus plan.

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

At Convene Hospitality Group, we want you to feel supported in every part of your life. Here's what you can expect:

• Health & Wellness: Day-one health coverage for you and your family, 24/7 virtual care, emotional well-being support, and fertility & family planning benefits. Because your well-being matters, inside and outside of work.
• Time Off & Balance: Generous PTO, your birthday off (because, of course!), paid parental leave, and a year-end holiday closure to recharge.
• Financial Growth: 401K with company match and support for education, courses, and certifications. We invest in you so you can grow personally and professionally.
• Development & Recognition: Ongoing career growth opportunities plus recognition programs to celebrate milestones.
• Community & Impact: Volunteer and give‑back opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in the work you do.

At Convene Hospitality Group, we believe great teams are built by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity, and Teamwork) shape how we show up for each other every day. We want everyone here to feel welcome, supported, and free to be themselves. If you're excited to grow, learn, and make an impact, we'd love to have you on the team.

Convene Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.