Sous Chef - Obama Presidential 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

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Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 / year

Our Passion is Food!

At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

Join the opening team at the Obama Presidential Center and help bring a world-class culinary and hospitality program to one of Chicago's most anticipated cultural destinations. As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in executing exceptional dining experiences across cafés, retail dining, and special events while supporting a mission-driven environment centered on community, culture, and hospitality.

Working alongside the Executive Chef, you will lead daily kitchen operations, coach and develop culinary associates, and ensure consistent execution of innovative, high-quality menus. This role is ideal for a hands‑on culinary leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys mentoring teams, and is passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences.

Key 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.

Preferred 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 restaurants, hotels, cultural institutions, or corporate dining environments.
• 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.

At the Obama Presidential Center, you'll have the opportunity to help shape a culinary program that celebrates community, culture, and excellence while creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

• 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

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.