Sous Chef | Elevated Italian Concept | Chicago, IL

Job Description Position: Sous ChefCompensation: $65,000–$80,000 base salary plus 20% bonus potentialSchedule: Full-time | Evening, weekend, and holiday availability requiredBenefits: Comprehensive benefits package including bonus opportunities, health coverage, paid time off, dining perks, and commuter benefitsRole Summary:We are conducting a confidential search for a talented and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary operations of a highly anticipated, chef-driven neighborhood restaurant concept.This role works closely with executive culinary leadership to deliver elevated cuisine, maintain operational excellence, and foster a collaborative, high-performing kitchen culture. The Sous Chef will play a critical role in daily service execution, team development, inventory management, and maintaining the consistency and standards expected within a polished, high-volume environment.The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary leader with strong operational instincts, a passion for hospitality, and experience working within refined, detail-oriented kitchens.What you bring to the table:Strong ability to lead line operations while maintaining consistency, urgency, and attention to detail during serviceExperience supporting hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and development of back-of-house team membersHands-on leadership style with the ability to train, mentor, and motivate culinary teamsStrong understanding of food quality, presentation standards, recipe consistency, and executionExperience monitoring labor costs, inventory levels, ordering, and waste reduction initiativesAbility to maintain high standards of sanitation, cleanliness, and kitchen safety complianceStrong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across BOH and FOH teamsExperience conducting pre-shift meetings, managing service flow, and supporting operational planningKnowledge of food and labor costing, budgeting, and kitchen administrative functionsComfort operating in a fast-paced, high-expectation culinary environmentWhy you'll love working here:Opportunity to be part of a chef-driven, growth-oriented restaurant conceptCollaborative and hospitality-focused culture that values creativity, teamwork, and professional developmentQuarterly and annual bonus opportunitiesDining discounts and monthly cell phone reimbursementPaid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave benefitsMedical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverageCommuter and additional lifestyle perksOpportunity to work alongside respected culinary leadership within a polished, high-energy environmentRequired Work Experience:Minimum 2 years of experience in a culinary leadership or kitchen supervisory roleExperience in high-volume, full-service restaurant environmentsStrong working knowledge of kitchen operations, food costing, labor management, and inventory controlPrior experience training and developing culinary staffFamiliarity with kitchen systems, equipment operations, and basic administrative functionsPreferred Work Experience:Background in elevated or chef-driven restaurant conceptsExperience supporting ordering, vendor relationships, and operational process improvementProficiency with Microsoft Office and restaurant POS systemsFood safety and sanitation certifications preferredPersonal Qualities:Passionate culinary professional with a strong sense of urgency and accountabilityCollaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-driven leadership styleOrganized and detail-focused with the ability to multitask effectivelyCalm and composed under pressure in fast-paced service environmentsMotivated to grow professionally within a dynamic hospitality organizationHospitality-minded leader who values consistency, mentorship, and operational excellence