Sous Chef - Bistro

Wesley Willows; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Financial Wellness Perks

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

403(b) Retirement Plan

Life/AD&D Insurance

Disability Insurance

Mail Order Pharmacy

Telemedicine

Wellness Programs

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wesley Willows in Rockford, IL, is seeking a Sous Chef to support daily kitchen operations within a senior living community. You will oversee food preparation, ensure cost control, maintain sanitation standards, and lead back-of-house teams under the guidance of the Corporate Executive Chef.

This full-time role offers a salary of $60,000-$65,000 per year, a consistent schedule, and opportunities for professional growth in a compassionate, ethics-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant experience in kitchen operations and management.
• Possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager’s License (required).
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills.
• Extensive catering/event experience.
• Understanding of BOH financial systems, methods and operations.
• Valid Driver’s License (required).
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older (required).

Responsibilities

• Support the Corporate Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations.
• Ensure high-quality food preparation, cost control, and regulatory compliance.
• Supervise back-of-house staff, oversee food production, maintain sanitation standards, manage inventory and ordering, and assist with catering and special events.
• The role requires strong leadership, multitasking, and culinary skills, along with knowledge of food safety and dietary regulations in a CCRC setting.

Skills

Leadership

Multitasking

Culinary skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Oral/Written communication

Catering/Event experience

Food safety knowledge

Driving license

18+ age

Job description

Sous Chef

$60,000-$65,000/year | Full-Time

Wesley Willows | Rockford, IL

Start a meaningful career as a Sous Chef at Wesley Willows, a senior living community.

Make a difference in someone's life every day.

Join the Wesley Willows family, where your work is more than a job—it's a fulfilling journey of personal and professional growth, guided by strong ethics and a commitment to compassionate service.

Why Join Us?

• Make an Impact: This is your opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others!
• Competitive Pay: $60,000-$65,000/year + credit for experience
• Consistent Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Supportive Team: We value our team members just as much as the people we serve
• Quick Hiring: Apply today and hear back within 48 hours

What you'll do:

• Support the Corporate Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations
• Ensure high-quality food preparation, cost control, and regulatory compliance
• Supervise back-of-house staff, overseefood production, maintain sanitation standards, manage inventory and ordering, and assist with catering and special events
• The role requires strong leadership, multitasking, and culinary skills, along with knowledge of food safety and dietary regulations in a CCRC setting

What you'll need:

• 5+ years relevant experience in kitchen operations and management (required).
• Possess and maintain a current ServSafe Food Manager’s License (required).
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills.
• Extensive catering/event experience.
• Understanding of BOH financial systems, methods and operations.
• Valid Driver’s License (required).
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older (required).

Benefits Available to Qualified Employees:

• Financial Wellness Perks: Access earned wages before payday throughZayZoon, plus tools and resources to support your financial wellbeing.
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life/AD&D Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Mail Order Pharmacy
• Telemedicine
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), political affiliation or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants.

Applicants for this position must be able to produce a negative drug test. Applicants may be subject to a background check. Employees in this position must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, this organization will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform the position’s essential job duties. As markets change and the Organization grows, job descriptions may change over time as requirements and employee skill levels evolve. With this understanding, this organization retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Our Commitment to Health & Safety The wellbeing of our residents and team members is our top priority. To help keep everyone safe, we ask all team members to receive a yearly flu shot (with medical and religious exemptions available), While we do not require the COVID-19 vaccine for employment, we do collect vaccination status in accordance with health guidelines. This helps us keep our community informed, safe, and prepared. Candidates must also complete a QuantiFERON Gold TB Blood Test as part of their pre-hire drug screen and physical.

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of skilled nursing services and participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act Screening
• National, State, County Criminal Background Checks
• Federal and state exclusion screening (OIG/Medicare/Medicaid)
• Pre-employment drug screening (including marijuana)
• Verification of work authorization
• Applicable registry verification (CNA. Nurse)Motor vehicle record view for positions requiring driving