Sous Chef- Chicago

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Dining Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to lead our Heart of the House and uphold the high standards of quality and hospitality that our iconic steakhouse is known for.

This hands-on leader will develop people, deliver outstanding food, and build a successful culinary operation in a fast-paced environment. You will manage daily kitchen operations, supervise and coach a high-performing team, and ensure adherence to recipes, portion standards, and safety

Qualifications

• Previous culinary leadership experience in a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Experience supervising and developing a high-performing kitchen team.
• Knowledge of food cost, labor management, inventory control, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• A genuine commitment to food quality, hospitality, teamwork, and professional development.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary degree or certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop Heart of the House team members.
• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate culinary team members.
• Maintain Smith & Wollensky’s standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.
• Monitor food and labor costs while investigating inventory and product variances.
• Ensure recipes, portion standards, and approved products are consistently followed.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and workplace safety.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product control.
• Resolve team member and guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Take ownership of Heart of the House operations in the Executive Chef’s absence.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Food cost management

Inventory control

Kitchen operations

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree or certificate preferred

Job description

Are you a talented culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen? Smith & Wollensky is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to help lead our Heart of the House team and uphold the exceptional quality and hospitality for which our iconic steakhouse is known.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on leader who is passionate about developing people, delivering consistently outstanding food, and building a successful culinary operation.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, motivate, and develop Heart of the House team members.
• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate culinary team members.
• Maintain Smith & Wollensky’s standards for food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.
• Monitor food and labor costs while investigating inventory and product variances.
• Ensure recipes, portion standards, and approved products are consistently followed.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and workplace safety.
• Assist with inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product control.
• Resolve team member and guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Take ownership of Heart of the House operations in the Executive Chef’s absence.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous culinary leadership experience in a restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Experience supervising and developing a high‑performing kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food cost, labor management, inventory control, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a demanding, fast‑paced environment.
• A genuine commitment to food quality, hospitality, teamwork, and professional development.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree or certificate preferred.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Dining Discounts
• Paid Time Off

Salary Range:

$60,000-$65,000 annually plus bonus

Physical Requirements

This position requires extended periods of standing and fast‑paced movement, as well as the ability to bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Join an Iconic Steakhouse Brand

At Smith & Wollensky, we believe exceptional dining begins with exceptional people. If you are ready to bring your culinary talent, leadership, and passion

Smith & Wollensky is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all team members.