Sous Chef - River North, IL

SeoulSpice; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay with tips

Free meal on shift

Medical coverage

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Career advancement

Job summary

SeoulSpice in Chicago is seeking a Sous Chef to lead protein cooking and assist the Kitchen Leader with back-of-house operations. You will ensure fresh, high-quality food is prepared on time, maintain proper stock levels, and minimize waste while supporting the front line and digital order fulfillment.

Ideal candidates bring hands-on cooking experience, strong organization, and clear communication to keep service smooth and guests satisfied in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and cooking, especially proteins.
• Ability to follow recipes with attention to timing and waste.
• Knowledge of FIFO and proper food storage procedures.

Responsibilities

• Cook proteins according to SeoulSpice recipes and maintain flavor, freshness, temperature, and presentation.
• Monitor inventory and produce the right amount to keep line stocked without waste.
• Follow food-safety procedures and maintain clean, organized prep and cooking areas.
• Support front-line staff, assist with digital orders, and cover other stations as needed.

Skills

Food preparation

Recipe following

FIFO & storage

Team communication

Job description

SOUS CHEF

From Scratch with Love

SeoulSpice serves delicious Korean food made from scratch with love. Inspired by traditional family recipes, our food is prepared by hand using house-marinated meats, fresh produce, and bold sauces and toppings.

We’re committed to improving the lives of our team members and the communities we serve. At SeoulSpice, you’ll join a supportive, high-energy team where your work matters and there are real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance into leadership.

If you share our five core values of Vibrancy, Respect, Dedication, Teamwork, and Growth, we’d love to meet you.

Your Role at SeoulSpice

The Sous Chef’s primary responsibility is to cook our proteins and support the Kitchen Leader in managing the back of house. You’ll keep the front line stocked with fresh, high-quality food throughout the day, preparing the right amount at the right time so that we never run out while minimizing excess and waste.

You’ll stay aware of sales volume, communicate closely with the front line, and adjust production as business levels change. You’ll also support the front line by serving guests and expediting digital orders.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Cook proteins according to SeoulSpice recipes and consistently meet our standards for flavor, freshness, temperature, and presentation.
• Monitor product levels and prepare the right amount of food to keep the line stocked without overproducing.
• Follow FIFO, labeling, dating, cooling, holding, storage, and food-safety procedures.
• Keep cooking and preparation areas clean, organized, stocked, and ready for service.
• Support the front line, prepare digital orders, and step into other stations when needed.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has food-preparation experience or genuinely enjoys cooking.
• Can follow recipes while managing timing, freshness, food quality, and waste.
• Pays attention to product levels and follows FIFO and proper food-storage procedures.
• Communicates well, stays organized, and supports both the kitchen and front-line teams.
• Is dependable, stays focused during busy shifts, and connects with our values of Vibrancy, Respect, Dedication, Teamwork, and Growth.

Benefits of Joining SeoulSpice

• Competitive hourly pay, paid weekly, plus tips
• A complimentary meal during every shift
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members
• Paid vacation and parental leave
• Hands-on training and opportunities to advance into Shift Leader, Kitchen Leader, and General Manager roles
• Benefits vary by position, location, hours worked, and eligibility.

What the Job Requires

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. This position requires availability based on the restaurant’s needs, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This is an active, hands-on kitchen position. Sous Chefs must be able to perform the essential duties of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation. These duties may include:

• Remaining on your feet and moving throughout the restaurant for most of the shift
• Regularly lifting and carrying 5–25 pounds and occasionally handling 40–50 pounds
• Reaching overhead and bending or squatting to access ingredients, supplies, and equipment
• Pushing, pulling, and moving supplies or restaurant equipment
• Safely handling knives, thermometers, kitchen equipment, cleaning tools, and POS systems
• Moving through stairs, doorways, ramps, elevators, and compact work areas
• Staying focused, coordinated, and productive during busy service periods

Equal Opportunity Employer

"SeoulSpice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.