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Chef In Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CASHIER/FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Marseilles, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Operates Point of Sale system, assists the Chef, prepares coffee, and keeps the coffee and cashier ... Provides service in all retail areas, including cashiering and line serving. * Cashiers according ...

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Chef In information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef in jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in in Ottawa, IL is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $30.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu planning, and a solid understanding of food safety, often backed by formal culinary education or apprenticeship. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, commercial cooking equipment, and relevant certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, time management, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining a safe and efficient kitchen, and ensuring a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges chefs face when managing a kitchen team, and how can they overcome them?

Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating a diverse team, handling high-pressure situations during peak hours, and ensuring consistent food quality. Effective communication, clear delegation of tasks, and maintaining a positive kitchen culture are key strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Many chefs also find that regular training sessions and feedback help build a more cohesive and efficient staff, ultimately leading to smoother kitchen operations and higher job satisfaction.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook responsible for preparing meals, managing kitchen staff, planning menus, and ensuring food quality and safety. Chefs often oversee kitchen operations, order supplies, and maintain cleanliness standards. Their role can range from cooking in restaurants and hotels to supervising large-scale food preparation in catering or institutions. Chefs may also specialize in particular cuisines or types of food. Becoming a chef typically requires culinary training and experience working in various kitchen roles.

What is the difference between Chef In vs Sous Chef?

AspectChef InSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesCooking certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, hotelKitchen, restaurant, hotel
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Role FocusOversees kitchen operations, menu planningAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff

Both Chef In and Sous Chef roles require culinary certifications and work in similar kitchen environments within the hospitality industry. The Chef In typically oversees kitchen operations and menu planning, while the Sous Chef supports the head chef and manages daily kitchen activities. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in culinary settings.

What cities near Ottawa, IL are hiring for Chef In jobs? Cities near Ottawa, IL with the most Chef In job openings:
Chef In jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef In job openings in Ottawa, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 50% Physical, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $50,642 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Chef Manager - Yorkville School Nutrition

Chef Manager - Yorkville School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group

Yorkville, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 64 rated caterers

Job description

Chef Manager - Cook Up Leadership in School Nutrition!

School Dining Leadership

Are you a culinary professional who's passionate about food, leadership, and purpose? Join our school nutrition team as a Chef Manager and bring your talent to a kitchen that nourishes students and shapes futures.

What You'll Do:

Lead daily kitchen operations to deliver healthy, high-quality meals to students and staff

Supervise and train kitchen team members to ensure culinary excellence and efficiency

Create menus that are nutritious, kid-friendly, and compliant with USDA school nutrition guidelines

Maintain food safety, sanitation, and inventory controls in alignment with health regulations

Collaborate with school administrators and nutrition staff to support student well-being

Manage production records, vendor orders, and kitchen budgets

Foster a welcoming and inclusive kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability

We're Looking For:

3+ years of experience in culinary management (school food service or institutional setting a plus)

Strong cooking skills with a focus on scratch preparation and batch cooking

Knowledge of USDA school meal requirements, production planning, and food safety standards

A proactive leader who inspires teams and delivers results

ServSafe certification

Passion for feeding students and making a difference in the school community

Why Join Us?

Competitive pay + opportunities for growth

Family-friendly schedule - no nights, weekends, or major holidays

Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, and retirement

Paid time off and professional development opportunities

A chance to lead with purpose and impact the health and success of students every day

About Us:

At Whitsons, we believe great food fuels great minds. As a Chef Manager, you'll blend culinary skill with compassionate leadership to create a dining program students love. You'll not only manage meals-you'll help build a kitchen that's a cornerstone of community, health, and learning.

Ready to serve up leadership with heart? Apply now and help us nourish the next generation-at Whitsons our mission isEnhancing Life One Meal at a Time.

Starting rate $20/hour

What Whitsons Culinary Group employees say

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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

Year founded

1979

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