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Chef Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Chef Manager

Alton, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Chef Manager Monday-Friday | 10-Month Schedule | Summers Off | $2,000 Sign-On Bonus If you love cooking from scratch, leading a small team, and having evenings, weekends, and summers to yourself ...

New

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Chef Manager

Dixon, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Chef Manager position requires experience in the food service industry as well as client relations and leadership skills, and basic accounting practices. The Chef Manager position will assist in ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Peoria, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team development ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Peoria, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team development ...

Food for Thought

Chef Manager

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Chef Manager Salary: $70k - 75k a year Hours: Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening availability is needed at some locations. Location: Multiple locations in the Chicagoland area Including Northwest ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Belmont Village

Chef Manager In Training

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

Learn directly from an experienced Belmont Village Chef Manager Preceptor at one of our vibrant assisted living and memory care communities, gradually increasing your responsibilities as you grow.

Pearl of Joliet

Traveling Chef Manager

Joliet, IL · On-site

The Traveling Chef Manager position includes the following but is not limited to: * Traveling to different locations and providing necessary culinary and managerial support. * Leading staff with ...

Taher, Inc.

Chef Manager

Libertyville, IL · On-site

As a Chef Manager you will supervise, coordinate, and participate in the effective preparation and service of high quality meals. Ensure a safe and sanitary operation. Ensures an efficient cost ...

Pearl of Hinsdale

Traveling Chef Manager

Hinsdale, IL · On-site

The Traveling Chef Manager position includes the following but is not limited to: * Traveling to different locations and providing necessary culinary and managerial support. * Leading staff with ...

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL · On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation. Key Responsibilities:

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL · On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation. Key Responsibilities:

Compass Group

Chef Manager

Highland, IL · On-site

$49K - $55K/yr

We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation. Key Responsibilities:

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL Salary: $60,000-$70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We ...

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All JobsChef JobsChef Manager JobsChef Manager Jobs in Illinois

Chef Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$59.2K

$84.8K

How much do chef manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef manager in Illinois is $59,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef manager?

A Chef Manager is a culinary professional responsible for both the preparation of food and the management of kitchen operations. They oversee menu planning, ingredient sourcing, food safety, and staff supervision, ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently and meets quality standards. Chef Managers often balance hands-on cooking with administrative duties like budgeting, scheduling, and inventory control. Their role is essential in restaurants, catering companies, and institutional kitchens to guarantee consistent and high-quality food service.

What is a chef manager?

A chef manager is a supervisor in the kitchen area of a restaurant. As a chef manager, you are responsible for helping the kitchen staff perform efficiently. Your duties include establishing standard menu options and recipes, ordering the food and supplies necessary to make these dishes, and overseeing kitchen and line staff by hiring, firing, and training team members as required. Qualifications for this career include extensive kitchen experience and leadership skills.

How much does a chef manager earn?

A chef manager's salary typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They often oversee kitchen staff, manage food quality, and handle administrative tasks, which can influence compensation levels.

What is the difference between Chef Manager vs Sous Chef?

AspectChef ManagerSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent, culinary certificationsCulinary degree or equivalent, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staff, plans menusAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff, prepares dishes
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering services, healthcare facilitiesRestaurants, hotels, catering, institutional kitchens
Primary ResponsibilitiesKitchen management, menu planning, staff supervisionFood preparation, supporting head chef, quality control

The main difference between a Chef Manager and a Sous Chef is that the Chef Manager has broader responsibilities including managing the entire kitchen operation, staff, and menu planning, while the Sous Chef primarily supports the head chef with food preparation and kitchen supervision. Both roles require culinary credentials and are common in similar work environments, but the Chef Manager holds a more managerial position.

How does a chef manager balance culinary creativity with administrative responsibilities in their daily role?

As a Chef Manager, you will need to juggle hands-on food preparation and menu development with tasks like staff scheduling, inventory control, and budgeting. This balance often means dividing your day between the kitchen and the office, ensuring food quality and safety standards are met while also keeping operations efficient and cost-effective. Collaboration with kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and suppliers is key to maintaining smooth service and meeting customer expectations. Developing strong organizational and communication skills will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Chef Manager, you need strong culinary expertise, menu planning skills, and experience in kitchen operations, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety standards, and cost control software is typically required. Leadership, communication, and time management are crucial soft skills for effectively managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth service. These skills are vital for maintaining high food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive team environment.
More about Chef Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Manager jobs in Illinois? For Chef Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chef Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Chef Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Manager jobs in IL? For Chef Manager jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chef Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,161 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Chef Manager

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Alton, IL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Chef Manager

Monday–Friday | 10-Month Schedule | Summers Off | $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

If you love cooking from scratch, leading a small team, and having evenings, weekends, and summers to yourself, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the dining program at a small and close-knit school community serving approximately 300 students. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to create fresh, high-quality meals while building relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, you'll enjoy a predictable Monday-Friday schedule, holidays off, and a 10-month work year, giving you two months off each summer.

Why You'll Love This Role

  • Monday-Friday schedule — no late nights or weekend shifts

  • 10-month position with summers off (unpaid)

  • $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

  • Small school environment with approximately 300 students

  • Opportunity to create fresh, scratch-made menus

  • Excellent work/life balance

  • Supportive leadership and collaborative culture

About Quest Food Management Services

For more than 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been recognized as one of the nation's premier food service management companies. We proudly serve K-12 schools, colleges and universities, corporate dining programs, and event venues with a commitment to fresh, scratch-made food, exceptional hospitality, and outstanding customer service.

Our success is built around our Quest Ready culture—Integrity, Responsiveness, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and we're looking for team members who are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences every day.

What You'll Do

As Chef Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day culinary operations for the school dining program while creating a welcoming dining experience for students and staff.

Responsibilities include:

  • Preparing fresh, high-quality meals with an emphasis on scratch cooking

  • Leading, coaching, and developing the kitchen team

  • Planning menus that are nutritious, appealing, and budget-conscious

  • Managing food ordering, inventory, and cost controls

  • Maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation

  • Creating an efficient, organized kitchen operation

  • Building positive relationships with school administrators, faculty, students, and parents

  • Ensuring an outstanding customer experience every day

What We're Looking For

  • Experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Chef Manager

  • Passion for preparing fresh, high-quality food

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills

  • Experience managing food costs, inventory, and purchasing

  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

  • Excellent organization and time management skills

  • ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)

  • Culinary degree is a plus, but equivalent experience is welcomed

Join the Quest Team

If you're looking to leave the restaurant grind behind without giving up your passion for cooking, this is an outstanding opportunity to build a rewarding culinary career with predictable hours and exceptional work/life balance.

Come create meals that make a difference while enjoying the schedule you've been looking for.


#QUESTFOOD


Monday- Friday. $2,000 Sign on Bonus, Work life balance, Summers's off to enjoy!

What Quest Food Management Services employees say

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