Tapas Kitchen Lead: Chef-Driven Ops & Quality

Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group; Barrington (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bocado Tapas is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by the flavors and social dining traditions of Spain, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. The Sous Chef leads daily back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent food quality, a clean and safe kitchen, and a well-trained team.

This hands-on leadership role is for an experienced kitchen professional who can keep a focused tapas menu operating smoothly and consistently.

Qualifications

• At least three years of progressively responsible kitchen experience, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in a full-service, high-volume, or similarly fast-paced restaurant environment preferred.
• Strong experience with kitchen operations, food preparation, inventory, purchasing, labor management, and cost control.
• Ability to lead, train, and hold employees accountable in a professional and respectful manner.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and decisive during busy service periods.
• Strong knowledge of food-safety and sanitation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations, including preparation, production, service, and closing procedures.
• Maintain established standards for food quality, taste, presentation, portion size, and consistency.
• Ensure recipes, preparation procedures, and plating specifications are followed.
• Hire, train, schedule, coach, and supervise kitchen employees.
• Provide clear direction during service and step into production positions when needed.
• Monitor kitchen staffing and labor costs based on business needs.
• Manage purchasing, receiving, storage, inventory, product rotation, portion control, and product usage to maintain appropriate inventory levels, control food and labor costs, and minimize waste, spoilage, and unnecessary expense.
• Ensure the kitchen is prepared for anticipated business volume, special events, takeout, and catering.
• Maintain compliance with food-safety, sanitation, workplace-safety, and health department requirements.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly used, cleaned, and maintained.
• Partner with the General Manager to support a positive guest experience and resolve food-quality or service concerns.
• Perform other responsibilities reasonably related to the position.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen operations

Cost control

Organization

Communication

Problem-solving

Calm under pressure

Job description

Bocado Tapas is a neighborhood restaurant inspired by the flavors and social dining traditions of Spain, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. The Sous Chef leads daily back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent food quality, a clean and safe kitchen, and a well-trained team.

This hands-on leadership role is for an experienced kitchen professional who can keep a focused tapas menu operating smoothly and consistently.