Sous Chef — Private Club Culinary Leader

Urbana Country Club; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(K)

Flexible Spending Account (HSA)

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Urbana Country Club is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations, mentor staff, and uphold the highest culinary standards across dining outlets, banquets, and events. This role blends tradition with innovative culinary identity in a private club setting.

You will support the Executive Sous Chef, supervise the kitchen team, and contribute to seasonal menu development while ensuring HACCP compliance and a positive kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years progressive kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or Sous Chef role.
• Degree or certification from a recognized culinary school preferred.
• Strong understanding of fine dining, banquet production, and scratch kitchen operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-paced, quality-focused environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with a passion for mentoring others.
• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification (or willing to obtain within 30 days).
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, and Club events.
• UCC is a drug-free workplace.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Sous Chef in all aspects of food production, quality control, and kitchen operations.
• Lead by example during food preparation and service, maintaining consistency, creativity, and excellence.
• Supervise kitchen staff, providing training, coaching, and discipline in accordance with Club standards.
• Oversee food preparation for dining outlets, events, and banquet operations to ensure timely execution and presentation standards.
• Contribute to seasonal menu development and recipe testing aligned with member preferences and culinary trends.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards including HACCP protocols.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, and food cost control.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness, equipment maintenance, and safe food handling practices.
• Support a positive and respectful kitchen culture built on teamwork, open communication, and accountability.
• Step in to manage the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Supervisory experience

Fine dining

Menu development

Communication

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree/certification

Job description

Urbana Country Club is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to lead kitchen operations, mentor staff, and uphold the highest culinary standards across dining outlets, banquets, and events. This role blends tradition with innovative culinary identity in a private club setting.

You will support the Executive Sous Chef, supervise the kitchen team, and contribute to seasonal menu development while ensuring HACCP compliance and a positive kitchen culture.