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Chef Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Chef Manager - Obama Presidential Center

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary The Chef Manager at the Obama Presidential Center is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations while delivering an exceptional dining experience that ...

Bon Appetit

Chef Manager - Obama Presidential Center

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary The Chef Manager at the Obama Presidential Center is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations while delivering an exceptional dining experience that ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL

East Moline, IL

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL Salary: $65,000 - $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 ...

New

Compass Group

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL

Normal, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL

Normal, IL

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL

East Moline, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL Salary: $65,000 - $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 ...

New

Eurest

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL

Normal, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Eurest

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL

East Moline, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL Salary: $65,000 - $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 ...

New

Compass Group

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL

Normal, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

FLOATING CHEF MANAGER- NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL

IL · On-site

$2.0K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: $2000 SIGN ON BONUS As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL

Merna, IL · On-site

$2.0K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEF MANAGER - NORMAL, IL Salary: $70,000 - $75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: $2000 SIGN ON BONUS As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a ...

Nexdine Hospitality

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We put our people first to deliver finely tailored, expertly managed programs. The NEXDINE ... The Sous Chef reports to the Executive Chef/Chef Manager. The Sous Chef is responsible for ...

Tortello

Private Dining Chef

Chicago, IL

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Job Tortello is looking for a Lead Chef of our Private Dining program to take a leadership role ... Organize the event kitchen -- manage prep schedules, ordering, and kitchen flow so events run on ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 12, 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 - Obama Presidential Center

Compass Group

Chicago, IL

$78K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 488 rated business services

Job description

Salary:  $78,000 - $80,000 / year

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

The Chef Manager at the Obama Presidential Center is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations while delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects the Center's commitment to hospitality, community, and excellence. This role leads culinary teams, drives operational performance, and ensures outstanding food quality across café and retail dining operations. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with a strong culinary background, financial acumen, and a passion for developing people and creating memorable guest experiences.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead all aspects of daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution, food quality, and exceptional guest satisfaction.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop culinary team members, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop seasonal menus and daily features that balance creativity, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
  • Manage food and labor costs through effective purchasing, inventory management, production planning, and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Oversee ordering, receiving, and inventory controls while maintaining appropriate product levels and vendor relationships.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards while maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.
  • Monitor quality, consistency, presentation, and portion standards across all food offerings.
  • Partner with operations leadership to deliver seamless service and execute special events and catering functions as needed.
  • Analyze financial performance, including P&L results, and implement strategies to achieve budgeted goals.
  • Champion sustainable culinary practices by supporting local sourcing, minimizing waste, and promoting environmentally responsible operations.
  • Lead by example with a hands-on management style, providing coaching, training, and support during all service periods.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of progressive culinary management experience in contract dining, hospitality, restaurants, or high-volume foodservice operations.
  • Demonstrated success leading kitchen operations, managing culinary teams, and delivering consistently high-quality food service.
  • Strong experience with menu development, recipe standardization, product costing, purchasing, inventory management, and labor planning.
  • Proven ability to improve operational efficiency while maintaining exceptional food quality and guest satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of financial management, including food cost controls, budgeting, and P&L accountability.
  • Extensive understanding of current culinary and catering trends, food presentation, and production techniques.
  • Experience with exhibition cooking and engaging guest-facing culinary experiences preferred.
  • Thorough knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety regulations.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.
  • Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a collaborative, service-focused approach.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished Chef Manager who thrives in a mission-driven environment and is passionate about leading teams, elevating culinary experiences, and contributing to one of Chicago's most inspiring cultural destinations.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1552100

Bon Appetit 

JoEtta Barnes 

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